A Discourse by Three Drunkards on Government
Nakae Chomin’s Discourse by Three Drunkards on Government offers a captivating glimpse into a nation grappling with modernization and the adoption of Western-style governance. Through the spirited discussions of three distinct characters—the Gentleman of Western Learning, the Champion of the East, and the enigmatic Master Nankai who loves nothing more than to drink and argue politics—Chomin skillfully navigates the competing visions and ideologies that were shaping Japan’s future. Each character embodies complex and often contradictory aspects of the author’s own worldview, challenging readers to engage deeply with the nuances of Meiji-era political thought. The discussion’s drinking bout context allows Chomin to freely debate political issues to offer an astute analysis of contemporary European politics and a prophetic vision of Japan’s…