The late 19th century was a period of tumultuous transformation across East Asia. As the age of Western imperialism pressed upon traditional societies, the responses of neighboring nations like Japan and China to modernization and Western learning shaped their trajectories for decades to come. The contrasting fates of two remarkable intellectuals—one Chinese, one Japanese—illuminate the profound differences in national attitudes toward reform and progress during this critical juncture. This article explores the extraordinary life of Japanese reformer Niijima Jo , his pioneering establishment of Doshisha University, and the striking contrast with the Chinese scholar Rong Hong, whose talents were overlooked by his homeland. By examining their stories, we gain richer insight into the cultural and political choices that defined modern Japan and China.

Japan’s Meiji Era: A Nation Poised for Transformation

In the mid-19th century, Japan was emerging from over two centuries of self-imposed isolation under the Tokugawa shogunate’s sakoku policy. The arrival of Commodore Perry’s black ships in 1853 forced the country to confront the reality of Western military and technological superiority. Unlike China, which clung to its imperial traditions and resisted wholesale reform, Japan embarked on a bold program of national rejuvenation known as the Meiji Restoration.

The Meiji government, established in 1868, prioritized modernization and Westernization to strengthen the nation against foreign domination. Central to this vision was the reform of education, industry, military, and governance. The leadership recognized that embracing Western knowledge and values—including Christianity and liberal education—was essential for survival and international parity.

Niijima Jo: From Samurai Roots to Visionary Educator

Niijima Jo was born into a lower-ranking samurai family during the waning years of the Tokugawa era. Early in his life, he studied rangaku—the Dutch studies that represented Japan’s limited window into Western science and technology. However, Niijima was dissatisfied with the superficiality of his education. His curiosity was piqued by a copy of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, a novel lent to him by his teacher, which ignited his imagination about the wider world beyond Japan’s shores.

Witnessing Western ships anchored in Edo Bay, Niijima felt a compelling urge to learn from these foreigners. At a time when Japanese citizens were forbidden from traveling abroad under penalty of death, his resolve was extraordinary. In 1864, at the age of 21, Niijima clandestinely boarded an American merchant ship bound for Shanghai, beginning a perilous journey that would eventually lead him to the United States.

Trials and Triumphs Abroad: Niijima’s Journey to the United States

Niijima’s voyage was fraught with hardship. Isolated by language barriers and cultural differences, he struggled to adapt to life on board and later in America. His inadequate English once led to a confrontation where, in frustration, he nearly drew his sword on a fellow passenger. However, recalling his mission to acquire knowledge for his homeland, he restrained himself.

Upon arrival in the United States, Niijima endured grueling labor to support himself while pursuing education. His perseverance caught the attention of the ship’s captain, who sponsored his tuition at Phillips Academy, one of America’s prestigious preparatory schools. Niijima’s tenacity and dedication allowed him to become the first Japanese person to earn a degree from an American institution.

During his studies, Niijima embraced Christianity, which deeply influenced his worldview and educational philosophy. He also served as a translator for Japan’s Iwakura Mission—a delegation of government officials touring the West to study modern institutions—showing the trust he had earned from his countrymen despite his earlier defection.

Founding Doshisha University: A Beacon of Christian and Liberal Education

Returning to Japan in 1874 after a decade abroad, Niijima found a nation in the throes of rapid modernization but still grappling with its identity. Adorned in Western-style clothing and imbued with Christian faith, he was welcomed by the Meiji government, which saw in him a valuable agent of change.

In 1875, Niijima founded Doshisha University in Kyoto, initially called Doshisha English School. His mission was lofty: to cultivate individuals who valued freedom, conscience, and moral integrity. Starting with just two teachers and eight students, Doshisha grew to nearly ten thousand students within a decade—a testament to Niijima’s vision and relentless work ethic.

Doshisha’s curriculum blended Western liberal arts education with Christian ethics, a pioneering approach in Japan. Niijima believed that true civilization was built on freedom, scientific advancement, and Christian morality. This philosophy aligned with the Meiji government’s broader push for “civilization and enlightenment” , which sought to meld Western knowledge with Japanese spirit.

Cultural Impact and Legacy of Niijima Jo and Doshisha University

Niijima’s efforts had a lasting cultural impact. Doshisha became a model for modern education in Japan, producing graduates who would become leaders in politics, business, and academia. The university’s emphasis on conscience and ethical responsibility helped shape Japan’s emerging civil society.

Furthermore, Niijima’s life story embodied the Meiji ideal of self-sacrifice for national progress. His willingness to break with tradition, embrace foreign ideas, and promote Christianity distinguished him as a symbol of Japan’s transformative era. Today, Doshisha University stands as one of Japan’s foremost private universities, continuing his legacy of educational excellence and moral leadership.

A Stark Contrast: The Unheeded Talents of Rong Hong in China

In contrast to Japan’s embrace of Niijima Jo, China’s response to similarly gifted individuals was often less welcoming. Rong Hong, a Chinese scholar and contemporary of Niijima, represents this missed opportunity. Despite his talents and overseas education, Rong Hong was largely ignored or sidelined by the Qing government, which remained deeply conservative and suspicious of Western ideas.

Whereas Japan’s Meiji leaders actively recruited and supported reform-minded intellectuals, Qing officials clung to Confucian orthodoxy and the traditional examination system, resisting fundamental changes. This reluctance contributed to China’s struggles in responding to internal rebellions, foreign incursions, and the pressures of modernization.

Reflecting on Divergent National Choices

The contrasting destinies of Niijima Jo and Rong Hong are more than individual biographies; they symbolize the broader choices faced by Japan and China in the face of modernity. Japan’s willingness to learn from the West, reform its institutions, and incorporate new ideas—including Christianity—facilitated its rise as a modern state.

China’s hesitation and in some cases outright rejection of reformers like Rong Hong hindered its ability to adapt swiftly, contributing to a century of national humiliation and internal turmoil. This historical comparison invites reflection on the importance of openness to change, the role of education in national development, and the courage to embrace new paradigms.

Conclusion: Lessons from History for Today

The story of Niijima Jo and the founding of Doshisha University encapsulates a pivotal moment in East Asian history when individual initiative intersected with national destiny. Japan’s acceptance and support of visionary figures like Niijima fostered a dynamic modernization process that transformed the country into a major world power.

Conversely, the sidelining of talented reformers in China reveals the costs of resistance to change. As contemporary societies grapple with rapid global shifts, these historical lessons underscore the enduring value of embracing innovation, nurturing talent, and cultivating institutions that balance tradition with progress.

In remembering Niijima Jo’s legacy, we are reminded that the journey from isolation to engagement, from tradition to transformation, is powered by the courage of individuals and the vision of nations willing to imagine new futures.