The artist’s face is adorned with portraits of the men who played key roles in the modernization of Japan. These historical figures include:

Japan was the first Asian country to modernize. Its male elite sought to emulate the “white man.” These figures are still celebrated as great historical leaders in Japanese schools today. However, Japan’s modernization went hand in hand with imperialism and colonialism. The artist wonders if modernity can truly be praised without critically confronting these aspects.

The artist also acknowledges that she enjoys a certain degree of privilege as a non-white woman thanks to Japan’s modernization and the achievements of these figures. She believes it is important to recognize this privilege and take responsibility for it.

The artist’s face is adorned with portraits of the men who played key roles in the modernization of Japan. These historical figures include:

• Yukichi Fukuzawa – Educator, writer, and founder of Keio University. His portrait appeared on the old Japanese 10,000 yen banknote.
• Eiichi Shibusawa – Entrepreneur known as the “father of Japanese capitalism.” He appears on the current Japanese 10,000 yen banknote.
• Kaoru Inoue – Influential politician during the Meiji period.
• Hirobumi Itō – Japan’s first Prime Minister. He played a major role in the Meiji government and was assassinated by a Korean during Japan’s colonisation of Korea.
• Taisuke Itagaki – Politician and founder of Japan’s first political party, advocating for democratic reforms.
• Toshimichi Ōkubo – Key politician and statesman in the Meiji Restoration.
• Aritomo Yamagata – Military leader and two-time Prime Minister, instrumental in establishing Japan’s modern army.
• Tomomi Iwakura – Senior statesman and leader of the Iwakura Mission (1871–73), a diplomatic journey to Europe and America to study Western institutions, technology, and diplomacy.

Japan was the first Asian country to modernize. Its male elite sought to emulate the “white man.” These figures are still celebrated as great historical leaders in Japanese schools today. However, Japan’s modernization went hand in hand with imperialism and colonialism. The artist wonders if modernity can truly be praised without critically confronting these aspects.