This authentic Meiji 40 (1907) edition of Shōgaku Shūshinkun (小学修身訓 巻四) offers a remarkable glimpse into Japan’s early 20th-century educational philosophy. Published by Gakugei Shisya (學芸指針社) and printed by Eiseidō (英盛堂), this volume formed part of Japan’s standardized moral education curriculum (修身 – Shūshin), a key subject designed to teach ethics, patriotism, and civic duty to students.
Richly illustrated with woodblock-style engravings, this volume narrates historical episodes of loyalty, filial piety, courage, and sacrifice, often depicting samurai and imperial subjects as moral exemplars. The stories emphasize virtues essential to Meiji Japan’s national identity—respect for the Emperor, devotion to one’s family, and service to the country.
Its traditional blue washi cover and Japanese stitched binding (fukurotoji) remain intact, preserving the tactile authenticity of Meiji-period classroom materials. Each printed page is a window into the moral and social ideals that shaped modern Japan’s youth.
A rare and historically significant textbook, ideal for collectors of Japanese educational history, woodblock prints, or Meiji-era ephemera.
