In this article, we tried to compare the perceptions and coping strategies of Chinese and Japanese intellectuals on the open door policy and acceptance of western culture in the period before and after the Sino-Japanese War. The Sino-Japanese War that broke out 120 years ago fundamentally altered the international order of Northeast Asia, and changed the international system of East Asia from the traditional Sino-Japanese tribal system to the modern colonial system. In addition, the perception of Chinese and Japanese intellectuals about the world before and after the Sino - Japanese War reflected well the differences in social development and system selection process of each country. In the face of the invasion of America and Europe nations in the latter half of the 19th century, the Chinese intellectuals perceived that Western culture also originated from the Confucian classics and that while the Chinese neglected it, Europe and America succeeded to develop it. As a result, in the latter half of the 19th century, they were in a situation where they were suppressed and forced to open the door. The fundamental foundation of Chinese modern culture is the traditional Chinese culture. China was a center of East Asian civilization for a long time and had a natural superiority. However, because of the indolence and stubbornness of the traditional composition, and the self - sufficient closeness of the material and mental aspects, the response to the Western challenge was slow and harsh. Therefore it was recognized that the prescription is to accept European and American thoughts and should be based on Confucian thought. The partial acceptance of Western culture based on Chinese culture was proposed. On the other hand, Japan quickly and actively accepted western culture and fused it with Japanese traditional culture, and proceeded to civilization enlightenment. As a result, Japan regarded itself as the evangelist and guardian of Western culture. In fact, Fukuzawa Yukichi denied the Japanese confucianism as public order of feudal society and governing idea of feudalism, and he criticized the feudal confucianism because it preserved class system of the feudal society, and he proposed a new concept of 'Practical Learning' in the modern sense. From the difference of methods and degree of recognition and acceptance and coping of foreign culture, China and Japan each opened their own modern society, and the result is what the 20th century history tells.