Yuben (Monthly Magazine on Oratory) in the Early Twentieth Century: A Case Study in the Promulgation of Western Rhetoric in Japan.

The scope, functions, significance, and implications of "Yuben," an early twentieth century Japanese magazine on oratory, are examined in this case study in intercultural rhetoric. The first section of the paper provides information about the magazine's genesis, including a discussion about its originator, Noma Seiji. The second section deals with its content, which included speeches and lectures by students as well as by political, social, and academic figures; articles on Western and indigenous rhetoric; and news of famous orators throughout the world. A third section covers the general public's reaction to the magazine, which was generally favorable. A concluding section notes that the magazine served as one of the driving forces in the Japanese modernization movement at the turn of the century. (FL)