"Large Scale Farming Policy" Advocated by Sir K. Inoue

Abstract

　The meaning of the "Large Scale Farming Policy," as advocated by Sir K. Inoue, tends to be understood as the promotion of "large scale" only in the context of farm size. However, in actual fact, it contains other meanings. The "Large Scale Farming Policy" consists of three elements, i.e., the promotion of large farm sizes, the promotion of large plots, and the promotion of combining many small scattered plots into a few large plots.
　His vision of the "Large Scale Farming Policy" had already been thought out in 1886. However, only since the summer of 1888 had it gained the attention of the public. Although, in reality, his vision was not simply to imitate western farming, certain newspapers and magazines criticized his vision as an imitation of western farming without consideration for the conditions of Japanese agriculture. These publications especially had focused on his promotion of large plots.
　Men of learning in agricultural circles held a common view with Sir K. Inoue, namely, the modernization of Japanese agriculture, although they stood opposed to the adoption of the radical policy aimed at implementation of the vision of Sir K. Inoue. It is also noteworthy that he was recognized as a typical promoter of "Westernization," so people seemed to have a prejudice against his opinion.