十九世纪中叶的日本,仍是一个落后的国家,百分之八十以上的人口从事农业,而且闭关锁国,文化教育也十分落后。然而,跨入明治维新后,日本认识到科学技术和国民的文化水平对国家经济的影响,把 Japan in the middle of the nineteenth century was still a backward country. More than 80% of its population was engaged in agriculture. Moreover, Japan, as a closed country, lagged behind in culture and education. However, after entering the Meiji Restoration, Japan recognized the impact of science and technology and the cultural level of its citizens on the national economy.