in regard to the matters just considered must be argued, however, not from the failure to embody Occidental moral standards, but rather from the failure to recognize the actual nature of the social order of New Japan.  While the Code recognizes the principle of individualism and individual rights and worth in all other matters, in regard to the home, the most important social unit in the body politic, the Code legalizes and perpetuates the old pre-Meiji standards.  Individualism in the general social order demands its consistent recognition in every part.

We cannot conclude our discussion of Japanese ideas as to woman, and the consequent results to morality, without referring to the great changes which are to-day taking place.  Although the new Civil Code has not done all that we could ask, we would not ignore what it has secured.  Says Prof.  Gubbins in the excellent introduction to his translation of the Codes: 

“In no respect has modern progress in Japan made greater strides than in the improvement of the position of woman.  Though she still labors under certain disabilities, a woman can now become a head of a family, and exercise authority as such; she can inherit and own property and manage it herself; she can exercise parental authority; if single, or a widow, she can adopt; she is one of the parties to adoption effected by her husband, and her consent, in addition to that of her husband, is necessary to the adoption of her child by another person; she can act as guardian, or curator, and she has a voice in family councils.”  In all these points the Code marks a great advance, and reveals by contrast the legally helpless condition of woman prior to 1898.  But in certain respects practice is preceding theory.  We would call special attention to the exalted position and honor publicly accorded to the Empress.  On more than one historic occasion she has appeared at the Emperor’s side, a thing unknown in Old Japan.  The Imperial Silver Wedding (1892) was a great event, unprecedented in the annals of the Orient.  Commemorative postage stamps were struck off which were first used on the auspicious day.

The wedding of the Prince Imperial (in May, 1900) was also an event of unique importance in Japanese social and moral history.  Never before, in the 2600 years claimed by her historians, has an heir to the throne been honored by a public wedding.  The ceremony was prepared de novo for the occasion and the pledges were mutual.  In the reception that followed, the Imperial bride stood beside her Imperial husband.  On this occasion, too, commemorative postage stamps were issued and first used on the auspicious day; the entire land was brilliantly decorated with flags and lanterns.  Countless congratulatory meetings were held throughout the country and thousands of gifts, letters, and telegraphic messages expressed the joy and good will of the people.

But the chief significance of these events is the new and exalted position accorded to woman and to marriage by the highest personages of the land.  It is said by some that the ruling Emperor will be the last to have concubines.  However that may be, woman has already attained a rank and marriage an honor unknown in any former age in Japan, and still quite unknown in any Oriental land save Japan.