The Meiji Restoration – Shaping Japan

50 Word Descriptor

The Meiji Restoration brought an end to the ruling of the Tokugawa Shogunate, bringing in a
new era for Japan, modern yet still traditional. Through the re-establishment of imperial rule,
Japan developed into a global power to be reckoned with, while still following its traditional
culture and traditions.

Meiji Restoration – Shaping Japan

The Meiji Restoration was a significant turning point in Japan's history, driven by a
combination of factors that necessitated change and modernisation. The Meiji Restoration
occurred in 1868, restoring power to the then Emperor Meiji, from the Shogun and his
Shogunate. This political restoration to the emperor completely changed and uplifted Japan’s
economic and international prowess, all while retaining and continuing traditional Japanese
values and beliefs. Not only did this change how the world viewed Japan, but what they saw
within.

One of the political changes implemented by Emperor Meiji was the introduction of a
constitutional monarchy known as the Imperial Diet (Teikoku Gikai). This marked a significant
departure from the previous feudal system and aimed to create a political structure that would
support Japan's growth and development as a modern nation. The establishment of a
constitutional monarchy provided a stable platform for national growth and development. The
Imperial Diet, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Peers, allowed for
the representation of different segments of society and provided a forum for public discussion
and decision-making. This shift was respected by Western nations, allowing Japan to more
equal itself with Western nations1. Despite this, Emperor Meiji remained the figurehead of the
imperial institution. The emperor continued to hold a position of reverence and symbolized the
unity of the Japanese nation. This continuity in reverence for the imperial institution
maintained stability and support for the political system during the restoration. By blending
the constitutional monarchy with the figurehead of Emperor Meiji, the Japanese political
system struck a balance between Western influences and traditional Japanese values, which

1
Columbia University, 2023, 'The Meiji Restoration and Modernisation',
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_meiji.htm, accessed 26/05/23.
allowed for the successful implementation of political reforms, shaping Japan into a modern
state.

The Meiji Period in Japan brought about significant changes in the social fabric of the nation
while also preserving certain aspects of traditional society. One of the most notable
transformations was the dismantling of the feudal bakuhan system, which had long defined
social hierarchy in Japan. As the samurai class declined in power, new opportunities emerged
for social mobility, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to rise in status based on
their abilities and achievements. This led to a growing literacy rate, fostering a more informed
and intellectual society2. The spread of knowledge and exposure to Western ideas sparked
intellectual and cultural transformations, challenging traditional beliefs and customs. Although
the Japanese samurai class may have been abolished, their influence still remained over Japan
as they were still more educated than the common people, allowing them to rise in politics and
influence Japan, at least subtly. Also, Japanese society retained its deep-rooted emphasis on
respect for authority and social harmony. Confucian principles, such as fillial piety, continued
to shape familial and social relationships. The traditional extended family structure, centred
around strong kinship ties and hierarchical roles, remained a fundamental aspect of Japanese
society3. Moreover, while modernisation efforts brought forth new industries, urbanisation,
and Western-style clothing, elements of traditional Japanese culture were still celebrated and
upheld. Traditional arts, such as wood-block printing, and lacquerware, continued to be
cherished and practiced, serving as a link to Japan's rich cultural heritage 4. This delicate
balance between embracing new ideas and preserving cultural heritage contributed to the
unique social landscape of the era and the Japan's modern society.

Economically, the Meiji government pursued policies to enrich the Japanese economy and to
turn it from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse. Japan underwent a remarkable
shift as new infrastructure projects were undertaken to connect the four major islands5. The
government actively supported and funded numerous industries, including munitions, silk and
textiles, glass production, chemical plants, iron smelters, and spinning mills. These initiatives

2
Overly Sarcastic Productions, 2020, 'History Summarised: The Meiji Restoration',
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5zlKYYp7bs, accessed 26/05/23.

3
Encyclopedia, undated, 'Confucianism in Japan', https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-
almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/confucianism-japan, accessed 26/05/23.

4
MayFair Gallery, 2018, 'The art and antiques of the Japanese Meiji period',
https://www.mayfairgallery.com/blog/japanese-meiji-period-art-antiques/, accessed 26/05/23.
5
Franke E. Smitha, 2003 – 2015, ‘Economic Progress under Emperor Meiji’,
http://www.fsmitha.com/h3/h48japan4.htm, accessed 30 May 2023
aimed to modernize Japan's industrial base and create a diverse range of consumer goods.
While the government initially owned and operated many industries, it gradually transitioned
them to private businesses as part of its efforts to foster capitalism. Past samurai, merchants,
and prominent families like Mitsubishi seized the opportunity to establish their factories and
contribute to Japan's industrial growth. Although the title of samurai was abolished, the elitist
mindset combined with better education, resulted in the continuation of the samurai class still
being richer and more developed than the common Japanese people6. In terms of trade, the
government introduced tariffs on foreign goods, promoting domestic consumption and
protecting local industries. This shift in trade policies aligned with the broader objective of
fostering a capitalist society, as Japan looked to Western models for inspiration. The adoption
of a wage-based economy further contributed to the development of capitalism, as people
now worked for wages and used the money earned to purchase goods, allowing Japan to
become modern7.

The Meiji Restoration marked a significant turning point in Japan's history, driven by factors
that necessitated change and modernisation. The fear of foreign influences and the decline of
the bakuhan feudal system were crucial factors that contributed to the revolutionary
movement. The encroachment of foreign powers, such as the United States, played a pivotal
role in pushing Japan towards political transformation. The arrival of foreign forces in the
1850s, with the intention to create trade contracts favouring themselves, created a sense of
urgency within Japan. This fear and the realisation of Japan's vulnerability led to a growing
sentiment for change. In response, samurai from the western regions of Japan revolted against
the Tokugawa shogunate. This culminated in the resignation of the last Tokugawa shogun, and
the appointment of Emperor Meiji as the ruler of Japan8. On April 6, 1868, Emperor Meiji issued
the Charter Oath (Gokajō No Goseimon) to the Japanese people, outlining five key principles
that would guide the restoration process. These principles included the establishment of a
democratic government, the inclusion of the public in discussions, the discontinuation of "evil"
customs of the past, the creation of new customs, the carrying out of the government's plans
by all classes, the allowing of common people to follow their desires and the pursuit of
knowledge from around the world for the welfare of the empire.9

Word Count: 1000

6
New World Encyclopedia, undated, 'Meiji Restoration',
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meiji_Restoration, accessed 26/05/23.

7
Columbia University, 2023, ‘The Meiji Restoration and Modernization’,
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_meiji.htm, accessed 30/05/23
8
Brittanica, 1998, 'Meiji Restoration', https://www.britannica.com/event/Meiji-Restoration, accessed 26/05/23.
9
Brittanica, 1998, 'Charter Oath', https://www.britannica.com/event/Charter-Oath, accessed 26/05/23.
Bibliography:

Brittanica, 1998, 'Charter Oath', https://www.britannica.com/event/Charter-Oath, accessed 26/05/23.

Brittanica, 1998, 'Meiji Restoration', https://www.britannica.com/event/Meiji-Restoration, accessed 26/05/23.

Columbia University, 2023, ‘The Meiji Restoration and Modernization’,

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_meiji.htm, accessed 30/05/23

Encyclopedia, undated, 'Confucianism in Japan', https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-

almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/confucianism-japan, accessed 26/05/23.

Franke E. Smitha, 2003 – 2015, ‘Economic Progress under Emperor Meiji’,

http://www.fsmitha.com/h3/h48japan4.htm, accessed 30 May 2023.

New World Encyclopedia, undated, 'Meiji Restoration',

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meiji_Restoration, accessed 26/05/23.

MayFair Gallery, 2018, 'The art and antiques of the Japanese Meiji period',
https://www.mayfairgallery.com/blog/japanese-meiji-period-art-antiques/, accessed 26/05/23.

Overly Sarcastic Productions, 2020, 'History Summarised: The Meiji Restoration',

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5zlKYYp7bs, accessed 26/05/23.

Weebly, undated, 'Economic Change During The Meiji Period',

https://jordanahjilljessiesarah.weebly.com/economic-change.html, accessed 26/05/23.
Annotated Bibliography:

Brittanica, 1998, 'Charter Oath', https://www.britannica.com/event/Charter-Oath, accessed 26/05/23.

This is the Charter Oath, the principles issued by Emperor Meiji when he took over in 1868. It
states 5 principles, and this is the original Japanese document published by the Imperial
Government of Japan. This source is very accurate as I have checked with other websites such
as the Columbia University and it is a primary source. Although the English translation might
different, the main gist of it is the same. This source is very reliable as it is an encyclopedia that
uses verifiable and trusted authors, and it is not able to be edited by the common public. This
source was very useful because it provided some insights on what to focus my essay on and the
aspects I should use. It was mainly political, social, and economically so I used that. It allowed
me to frame my essay very well.
Columbia University, 2023, ‘The Meiji Restoration and Modernization’,
http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_meiji.htm, accessed 30/05/23.

This site gave me information on the Meiji Restoration across many different perspectives and
aspects, such as social & economic changes, ideology shifts, etc. This source is probably very
accurate as the evidence and main points found in this have been concurred by other
established websites such as Britannica. This source is reliable as it was created by professors
and researchers at Columbia University, not any random person on the internet. It also a
completely closed site where you cannot edit anything. This source was very useful as it gave
me information to actually construct my essay across all my body paragraphs. Had it not been
for this website, I would have very basic information.

Franke E. Smitha, 2003 – 2015, ‘Economic Progress under Emperor Meiji’,

http://www.fsmitha.com/h3/h48japan4.htm, accessed 30 May 2023.

This site gave me information mainly on the economic impacts and progress under the Meiji
Restoration. This source is mostly accurate because it matches up with the information from
the Columbia University website, just going into more in-depth details but it hasn’t been
updated since 2015, but new information hasn’t really been found on the Meiji Restoration.
This source is reliable as it was created by Frank E. Smitha, a historian who graduated from
California State University with a degree of arts in History. It also cannot be edited by anyone.
This source was very useful as it had all of the evidence I used in the economic changes &
continuities paragraph and allowed me to make it really detailed and clear.