end of the Tokugawa regime demonstrated the power of symbolism and myths surrounding the imperial institution. However, once in control of the government, the Meiji Leaders and advisors to the Emperor reversed their hostility to foreigner, since being anti-western no longer served the political goals of the Meiji advisors . The choice of the imperial thrown by the imperialists as a point for Japan to rally around could not have been more wise. Although the imperial institution had no real power, it had universal appeal to the Japanese public. It was both a mythic and religious idea in their minds. This provided stability in this time of chaos after coming into contact with foreigners, and also provided a belief in the natural superiority of Japanese culture. The symbolism of the Emperor helped ensure the success of the restorationists because it undercut the legitimacy of the Shogunate's rule, and it strengthened the Meiji rulers who claimed to act for the Emperor. Most importantly, the symbolism of the Emperor indirectly fueled the engines of modernization of Japan by the Meiji rulers, thus setting the stage for the paradoxical state of affairs in Japan.
             One of the major representation of the paradox of Meiji modernisation is the educational modernization of Meiji Japan. The motives of modernization were varied, and reflected the eclectic mix of desire to progress in western knowledge and technical skills, with the tendency to fall back on a nationalist education to strengthen national and social unity to safeguard national safety in an age of foreign imperialism. During the 1870s, the Meiji government adopted a policy that aimed at a Western, liberal and utilitarian education; a method used only if it brings direct material and practical benefits. However, starting from the 1880s, education became more and more undemocratic in Japan, and was used increasingly for political objectives. The education system the Meiji Oligarchy f...