Japan is an excellent example of a modern nation. “By identifying the modern as a set of interrelated principles rather than simply as a period, we are able to trace its occurrence to different periods in different national or cultural contexts” (Goto-Jones, 7). The idea of ​​what is culture and what is modern can be subjective. Time and setting are simply measurements that show something in relation to everything else. Although Goto-Jones is critical of what it means to be “modern,” reasons to support his opinion on whether Japan is modern or not can be provided by looking at some of the changes Japan has made; observations of dynamics and stagnation in Japan's past and present. By comparing and contrasting Japan's government, technology/knowledge, tradition, and culture throughout history, one can see why Japan is a great example of a modern nation in the 21st century. These characters, united together old and new, will present a representation of the modernity and culture of Japan. Japanese government has been continually evolving during periods of great varying interpretations that have occurred over the past two centuries. As part of Japan's modern identity, the governments of its history have been the result of continuous future changes. A great push for continued change came when Commodore Perry arrived in 1853, bringing Western influence with him. The Tokugawa bakufu ruled Japan from approximately 1600 to 1868 (Goto-Jones, 24). This government featured a hierarchy that included a top-to-bottom social ranking; the samurai, farmers, artisans and merchants (Goto-Jones, 30). This was the last Japanese feudal government. When Emperor Komei died in 1867, his son, Emperor Meiji, took the throne. After his accession to the throne, the... middle of the card... growth was triggered. Japan has continually adapted its identity to adapt to a changing world. Japan's modernization may have been influenced by the West, but it captured a unique perspective. Japan created its own standard of modernity. Through this, they have established an identity. Goto-Jones, C. (2009). Modern Japan. New York, NT: Oxford University Press Inc. Craig, A. (2009). Civilization and Enlightenment: the first thoughts of Fukuzawa Yukichi. (1st ed.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.Kang, H. (2005). Under the Black Umbrella: Voices from Colonial Korea, 1910-1945. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.McCormack, G. (2001). The void of Japanese well-being (Japan in the modern world). Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe Inc. Bary, C. (2006). Sources of Japanese Tradition, in Abridged Form: Part 2. (vol. 2 ed.). New York, New York: Columbia University Press.