Reforming JapanIn 1902 the Womans Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)petitioned the Japanese government to abolish the custom of rewardinggood deeds and patriotic service with the bestowal of sake cups. Alcohol production and consumption, its members argued, harmedindividuals, endangered public welfare, and wasted vital resources. The petition was only one initiative in a wide ranging program toreform public and private behaviour. Between 1886 and 1912, the