Western mathematics on Japanese soil - A history of teaching and learning of mathematics in modern Japan -

After the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese Government intended to modernize Japan by introducing Western civilization, especially Western technology. A modern educational system was introduced in 1872. As to mathematics, the Department of Education decided to teach only Western mathematics at all school levels teaching of traditional Japanese mathematics was abolished. As it was a drastic change, there were various difficulties at first. However, by earnest efforts of Japanese to modernize Japan by introducing Western civilization, transplantation of Western mathematics to Japan was successful.