The Framework of Eastern and Western Cultural Discourses in the Historical Process of China and Japan

This chapter explores the historical frameworks of Eastern and Western cultural discourses in China and Japan, focusing on two primary models: “Hua-Yi” (Chinese-Barbarian) and “Shen-Yi” (Divine-Barbarian), and the theories of “Chinese essence and Western application” versus “Japanese spirit and Western knowledge.” The “Hua-Yi” concept, rooted in Chinese history, emphasized cultural superiority and self-centeredness, while Japan's “Shen-Yi” reflected a similar dichotomy but with a stronger focus on national identity. The “Chinese essence and Western application” model advocated preserving Chinese cultural values while adopting Western technology, whereas Japan's “Japanese spirit and Western knowledge” sought a balance between traditional ethics and Western science. Both models aimed to reconcile cultural conflicts but faced criticism for their limitations in fully integrating Western advancements.