Abstract:

Kokutai is an important concept that ideologically influenced the establishment and development of the Japanese nation-state. Kokutai represents the Japanese state based on the eternal-absolute sovereignty of the sacred Japanese emperors and the Japanese people united under this state. The concept, in this sense, was used for the first time in Aizawa Seishisai (1782-1863)'s Shinron written in 1825. The text became widespread in the country at the time it was written. Seishisai is a scholar who deals with Confucianism under the Mito Han and has p on the political and social problems of the country. Shinron, which he wrote, is a text that reflects Seishisai's views on how the Tokugawa Bakufu should take measures against the threat of foreign ships coming to Japan since the end of the 18th century. Seishishai advocated the slogan Sonnō Joi (respect the emperor and drive out the barbarians) in the text. He drew attention to the unity of the people and the emperor. In this article, the historical process in Japan that led to the emergence of the idea of kokutai is examined. In addition, the concept of kokutai in Shinron was analyzed by content analysis method.

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