(Japan's literacy rate in 1900 was about 90%, though it is 99.8% today.
Even from the 17th century to the 19th century, Japan's literacy rate was the highest in the world.
Before the early 18th century, there were 125 book shops in Tokyo (called Edo then); and by the middle of the 18th century, there were 676 book shops all over Japan.
In the early 18th century, there were almost 1,300 temple (elementary) schools in and around Edo (the then world largest city) where even children of farmers were admitted.
The Edo Castle, presently the Imperial Palace, was not only a symbol of military and political power but also of culture and academics, since there were no samurais who could not read, write, and calculate using an abacus.)
"A PEOPLE WITHOUT SENSE WILL BE RUINED"
Even from the 17th century to the 19th century, Japan's literacy rate was the highest in the world.
Before the early 18th century, there were 125 book shops in Tokyo (called Edo then); and by the middle of the 18th century, there were 676 book shops all over Japan.
In the early 18th century, there were almost 1,300 temple (elementary) schools in and around Edo (the then world largest city) where even children of farmers were admitted.
The Edo Castle, presently the Imperial Palace, was not only a symbol of military and political power but also of culture and academics, since there were no samurais who could not read, write, and calculate using an abacus.)
"A PEOPLE WITHOUT SENSE WILL BE RUINED"