INSTITUTIONALISING TECHNICAL EDUCATION: THE CASE OF WEAVING DISTRICTS IN MEIJI JAPAN

This paper explores the institutionalisation of technical education for the indigenous Japanese weaving industry and studies the necessity of such education for traditional weavers operating in the modern economy of Meiji Japan. It focuses on how these institutions influenced the government's subsequent institutionalisation of formal technical education. Differing from the state's industrial modernisation programmes that were led by the establishment of technical high schools and engineering universities, trade associations played a major role in the institutes in the weaving districts. The paper also highlights the importance of grass roots activities in the successful adoption of new Western technology among locals.