Final answer:
Japanese society today still reflects its historical roots in its hierarchical past, reverence for traditions, and strong educational values. While changes like economic development and shifts towards consumerism have occurred, the essential fabric of culture and homogeneity remains. Governmental stances on historical events are influenced by national pride and political narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
To what extent traditions and social structures still prevalent in Japanese society today can be traced back through history? Historically, Japan's societal framework was hierarchical and rigid, established during the Edo period under the control of the Tokugawa shogunate. This period saw the country largely isolated, with a strict social order consisting of classes such as the samurai, peasants, and merchants.
In modern Japan, while the samurai class no longer exists, aspects of the country's past can still be observed. It's a relatively homogenous society with most of the population being ethnically Japanese. Certain traditions, like reverence for the elderly and family-centric values, persist. However, there has been a cultural shift towards consumerism as the country has developed economically. Japan continues to import essential resources like oil and most of its food products due to limited domestic supplies.
The devotion to education established in the Meiji period led to nearly universal education attendance by 1900, a practice that remains to this day, with a strong emphasis on both sciences and liberal arts. The ethnic religion Shinto, which focuses on rituals connecting the present with the ancient past, continues to play a significant role in society, although various religious beliefs and non-religious philosophies are present in Japan.
Issues related to acknowledgment of historical events, such as actions of Japanese troops during the war, are complex. The Japanese government's stance on such matters can be influenced by various factors, including national pride, political pressure, and the desire to maintain a particular narrative of the past.