The idea of Wakon yosai was against the idea that 'Western culture is superior and Japanese culture is behind', which emerged after the civilization and enlightenment of the Meiji restoration.
和魂洋才と言う発想は、明治維新の文明開化以来の「優れた西洋文化と遅れた日本文化」という構図に反発する意味もあった。