Answer: the Japanese had done a more successful job of modernizing, and they were better equipped and prepared. the prestige of the Qing dynasty, along with the classical tradition in China, suffered a major blow. The humiliating loss of Korea as a tributary state sparked an unprecedented public outcry.
Explanation: Their opposition were inexperienced and poorly trained, so at point of contact the Japanese held a decided edge. The Japanese were also innovative, speeding up their advance by traveling light, with advance troops on bicycles. And the British commanders were incompetent.