preview

Joseph Neesima's Statement Of Reasons For Leaving Japan

Decent Essays

Joseph Hardy Neesima, founder of Doshisha, experienced many of what others could not through his deviation from Japan. It is these experiences that have shaped Joseph’s ideals, later becoming the educational standard for Doshisha. Joseph Neesima entrusted the future faculties with the role of rearing members of the society, who are able to guide Japan as the country’s conscience. Throughout his experience abroad, Joseph Neesima came to understand and appreciate the fundamentals of the American society, which led to his teaching principles of Doshisha; Christianity, freedom, and internationality. During the Meiji period, leaving Japan and traveling to the United States was considered a crime due to the strong impact of Japan’s isolation. …show more content…

Taylor, Joseph found the opportunity to attend school under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Hardy. By reading Joseph’s “Statement of Reasons For Leaving Japan”, the Hardys were moved by his desire to learn foreign fundamentals even after repeatedly experiencing the harsh reality of Japan. They set up the environment in which Joseph would be able to study English at Phillips Academy without any hardships. After consulting in Dr. Samuel H. Taylor, principal of the academy, of Joseph’s situation, they were introduced to Miss Hidden for his boarding necessaries. At first, Miss Hidden was reluctant to receive a Japanese student, who was unaccustomed to the American ways of living and unable communicate in English, because of her brother’s delicate health. However, in the same way as before, Joseph’s composition of the circumstances in which he decided to leave Japan opened up the hearts of its readers, and Miss Hidden agreed to receive Joseph. During his duration at Phillips Academy, Joseph learned of the advances in the American society and felt God’s mercy to help him in his aim. “His time at Andover was devoted to English, natural science, and mathematics, and, on leaving the academy, Dr. Taylor writes of him: “What he has done he has done

Get Access