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Another import from China of that time was the kanji writing system, the great bugbear of all who have tried to learn Japanese.

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that Japan has not one but three writing systems (plus Romanj) is so baffling

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The kana syllabary was invented (by the polymath Buddhist sage Kukai) as a way to spread literacy more widely. Japanese is a language whose phonetic structure allows for syllabic writing (as English with its more complex phonology really wouldn't).

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I sometimes wonder what might have transpired if China's efforts at reform at around the same time had been successful. There would, of course, have been a great flowering of friendly relations, and commercial intercourse, especially with Britain. (I jest)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundred_Days%27_Reform

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This is very interesting, Ed, looking forward to part 2. There is a typo "During Aizawa’s reign as daimyo" should presumably be Tokugawa's reign.

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oh yes, thank you

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This is excellent. So resonate with many themes today, yet completely different. I kind of wish Shogun was about this period. Well done!

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thanks!

I'm on episode 3 of Shogun - I tend to go to bed before the kids now and I'm not quite sure theyre old enough to watch someone being boiled to death, but it's good so far.

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Fascinating. Adding that book about Japan to my list.

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thank you!

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