From Seijin to Kokusai Shakaigun The Evolving Language of Japanese Perceptions of Chinese People
---
In the intricate tapestry of international relations, language serves as a powerful tool, reflecting not only linguistic nuances but also the evolving perceptions and relationships between different cultures. One such relationship that has been both complex and fascinating is that between Japan and China. Over the centuries, the way Japanese people have referred to Chinese individuals has undergone a remarkable transformation, reflecting changes in diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange. Let's embark on a journey through time to explore how Japanese perceptions of Chinese people have shaped the language they use to address them.
The earliest recorded term used by Japanese to refer to Chinese individuals is Seijin, which translates to barbarian or foreigner. This term, rooted in the Japanese word se, meaning other, encapsulated the alien nature of Chinese culture to the Japanese. During the Heian period (794-1185), Japan was heavily influenced by Chinese culture, yet the term Seijin still carried a sense of otherness.
As Japan entered the Edo period (1603-1868), a period of isolation known as sakoku, the term Seijin remained in use, but with a different connotation. It was during this time that Japan began to establish a rigid class system, and the term Seijin started to be used to denote the Chinese as a class of people distinct from the Japanese, often in a derogatory sense.
However, with the arrival of Commodore Perry's Black Ships in 1853, which marked the end of Japan's isolation, the Japanese began to interact more closely with the outside world, including China. This period of contact led to a shift in language and perception. The term Seijin began to lose its pejorative connotations and started to be replaced by Kokusai Shakaigun, meaning international community.
The term Kokusai Shakaigun was particularly popular during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), a time when Japan rapidly modernized and sought to integrate with the global community. It was during this period that the Japanese began to engage in significant trade and diplomatic relations with China. The use of Kokusai Shakaigun reflected a more objective and inclusive view of Chinese people, emphasizing their role within the broader international community.
As Japan's relationship with China became increasingly complex, particularly during the 20th century, the language used to refer to Chinese individuals evolved further. The term Rebunjin (returnee) gained prominence, particularly after World War II, as it referred to Japanese who had lived in China and returned to Japan. This term, while neutral, also carried a sense of nostalgia and identity for those who had experienced life in China.
In the post-war era, the term Ryugakusei (student) became more common, referring to Chinese students studying in Japan. This term highlighted the educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries, emphasizing the intellectual and scholarly nature of the relationship.
Today, the language used by Japanese to refer to Chinese people is as diverse as the relationship itself. Terms like Ryokokujin (Chinese tourist) and Ryokokugaku (Chinese studies) reflect the growing economic and academic ties between Japan and China. Meanwhile, Kokumin (people of a country) is used to denote Chinese individuals in a more general sense, emphasizing their nationality without cultural or ethnic bias.
The evolution of these terms is a testament to the dynamic nature of Japan's relationship with China. From the alien Seijin of old to the inclusive Kokusai Shakaigun of the Meiji period, and finally to the diverse range of terms used today, the language reflects the multifaceted nature of this historic connection. As Japan and China continue to navigate their complex relationship, it is the language they use to describe each other that will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their future interactions.
