If I may include China,
One of the most influential journalists and educators in the 19th century Japan, the founder of Keio-gijuku University in Tokyo, Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901), summarized his view on how Japan should cope with her neighbors China and Korea as "Datsu-A Ron (脱亜論 = Good-bye Asia Theory)" in 1885.
This still looks true to me.
"The path for the worldly transportations had become convenient.The wind of the Western civilization has blown to the East; even the grasses must sway to the current of this wind when it arrives. The Westerners were never much different from what they are at the present as compared to their past. The ancient ones acted slowly, yet they now became swiftly to their actions only due to their utilization of the transportation advancements. Unless we want to prevent the coming of this Western civilization with a firm resolve, it is best that we cast our lot with them. If one observes carefully what is happening in the present world, one should realize the futility of preventing the onslaught of Western civilization. Why shall we not float with them (the West) in the same ocean of civilization, sail the same waves, and enjoy the fruits and endeavours of civilization? Civilization is like the rapidly spreading of measles. The measles in Tokyo began and came from Nagasaki in the western realm of Japan. It (the pandemic) extends and spreads out like the warmth of spring thaw.
We may loathe the affects from the infectious disease, yet is there any effective approach to prevent it? I can prove with solidity that there is no such way. People can only witness and embrace the forceful wrath of the disease in a pandemic. Yet, for the case of civilization, damages arrive accompanied with benefits; and often benefits count far more than lost. Since it is impossible to prevent such cause (the coming of this Western civilization), it is only wise to indulge our strength into the assisting of the spread so that our people may bath in this force as soon as possible.
Recent Western civilization entered our Japan from the beginning of the reign of Kaei (1848-1854). Our people gradually discovered and adapted to the advantages and thrived. However, the old-fashioned government stood in the way of progress. It was a dire conundrum that could not be solved. As long as the government continues to preserve (the old-fashioned mindset), civilization cannot enter. Modern civilization and Japan's old conventions stand in two extremes. If we were to depart from our old believes and approaches, it is in the same time (that we have) to abolish our government. On the other hand, shall we obstruct this invasion of civilization, Japan shall loose its independence.
It is in no possible ways that the struggle of the world civilization would permit this lonely island of the East slumbers in isolation. My noble Japanese country men, it is our principle to recognize the need of the country over the weight of the government. Through the reliance of the Imperial Household's dignity, we shall overthrow the old government and establish a new one. Everyone in the country shall completely adopt the modern Western civilization. (It is from doing so) Not only that Japan may strip away its old self, it will create a new axle in the entire continent of Asia, and this is where the essential ideology of the mere two words of "Datsu-A" – depart from Asia –lies.
My country – Japan, is located in the eastern boarder of Asia. Yet the spirit of the Japanese people has already departed from the ugliness of the Asian milieu and shifted toward to the Western civilization. However, it is unfortunate for us (Japan) that there are neighbouring countries. One is called Shina (China). The other one is named Chosen (Korea). From ancient times, no difference from us Japanese, these two people (Chinese and Korean) have been nurtured by Asiatic politics, religions, and traditions. However, maybe it is due to the differences in racial origins (even though we share the same Asiatic teachings), there are differences in heredity and education. Comparing the three countries – Japan, China, and Korea – there are more similarities between China and Korea. Together, China and the Korea are more different than similar to us. No matter in an individual context or as a nation, the people of these two countries do not know the way to progress.
In the world that transportation and traffic had become so convenient, they (the Chinese and the Koreans) have no excuses to be blinded from the recognizing of civilization. However, even they can see *it (*the signs of the progression of civilization) or hear *it, they lack the will to act. Their stubbornly love affairs with the ancient mentality and outdated customs have never changed in hundreds and thousands of years. When this new and effervescent theater discuss upon the topic of education, they (the Chinese and Korean) only trace back to Confucianism. In terms of education in schools, they can only refer to benevolence, integrity, decorum, and wisdom. On the surface, they counterfeit the intactness of things. In truth, they neglect righteous principles. Similar to any arrogant being who knows not of self-examinations, they have depleted morality to the extreme of shamelessness.
In my opinion, it is impossible that these two countries (China and Korea) can remain nationally independent under this violent wind of civilization eastward. If they are fortunate to have noble heroes to stand up, they should first begin with the improvements of their national matters. Like the massive scale of our Meiji Restoration, they should engage in activities to modify and reform their governments so that the hearts of their people maybe renewed. If they depart from such approach, it is most likely that their empires will fall within few years from now. It is without any doubts that their lands will be carved up by the civilized nations from around the world. The spread of civilization and enlightenment are like the infectious force of measles. China and Korea defied the natural law of its spread.
Hiding in a room knowing that they cannot hide from the matter, they attempt to cut off the air circulation by shutting sealed the area. Similar to the relations between our lips and teeth (that they exist in an inseparable relationship), neighboring countries shall assist each other. Currently, China and Korea have not even offer a single drip of assistance to my Japan. Viewing from the eyes of the Westerners, they must be judging and viewing us as how they do to China because of the geographical proximity. For example, rule of law cannot be sustained (in those places) when the governments of China and Korea remain in their old-fashioned despotism. Westerners may suspect that Japan is an equally lawless nation. Both the Chinese and Korean people are so entangled into their superstitious beliefs and know nothing about science. Western scholars may also think that Japan too is a country devoted to the Yin Yang and the Five Elements.
The Chinese are shameless people who do not understand humbleness and humility, even the chivalric compassions of the Japanese people are overwhelmingly shrouded by them. Koreans are extremely atrocious when punishing their own people; Japanese people would too be speculated (by the Westerners) as such (brutal people). There are countless things similar to the listed ones. In metaphor, it is no different than that a man's righteous deeds would be shrouded by the ugliness of his neighbors' actions when he is the rare one who lives in a village or a town that is known for their (the villagers') foolishness and cruelty. These negative impacts (from the observation of the said analogies) on reality have indirectly conjured problems to our diplomatic affairs. It is a great misfortune for my Japan.
That is why shall we think for the Japan today, we (the Japanese people) do not have the luxury of time to wait for the enlightenment of our neighboring countries – China and Korea – to work together toward the development of Asia. It is our best strategy to leave the ranks of Asian nations and cast our lot with the civilized nations of the West. As for our approach to the treating of China and Korea, there shall be no special treatment just because they are our neighboring countries. Simply adapt the ways of the Westerners is sufficed. Those who cherish bad friends cannot escape the fate of being branded as a bad person. My heart and determination lie in the refusal of bad friends.
Yukichi Fukuzawa, Jiji Shimpo, March 16th, 1885"
Source:
https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/18797/1/Kwok_Dwight_TW_200911_MA_thesis.pdf
Original text