"The Japanese keenly learned from Western civilisation in a bid to modernize and preserve the nation"

This quote by Akihito speaks to the Japanese individuals's desire to learn from Western civilization in order to update and protect their nation. This was a mindful decision made by the Japanese individuals to embrace the advances of the West in order to stay competitive and protected. The Japanese people saw the potential of the West's innovation, market, and culture and looked for to integrate it into their own. This was a hard procedure, as it required the Japanese to adjust to a new way of living and to accept foreign influences. However, the Japanese individuals were determined to prosper and, in doing so, they were able to update their country and safeguard it from outdoors risks. This quote talks to the Japanese individuals's commitment to advance and their desire to learn from the West in order to attain their goals.