Emperor of Japan Meiji: His Life and Legacy (1852-1912)

Emperor of Japan: Meiji and His World, 1852–1912

by Donald Keene

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22834 KB
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Emperor Meiji, the 122nd emperor of Japan, reigned from 1868 to 1912. His reign was a period of great change and modernization for Japan, which culminated in Japan's emergence as a major world power. Meiji was a key figure in this transformation, and his policies and reforms helped to lay the foundation for Japan's rise to prominence.

Childhood and Education

Meiji was born Mutsuhito on November 3, 1852, to Emperor Komei and Lady Nakayama Yoshiko. He was the second son of the emperor, and it was not expected that he would become emperor. However, his older brother died in infancy, and Meiji became the heir to the throne at the age of three.

Meiji's education was supervised by the court scholar Fujiwara no Michinori. He studied classical Chinese literature, history, and poetry. He also received training in martial arts, calligraphy, and music. Meiji was a bright and inquisitive child, and he showed a keen interest in learning about the world beyond Japan.

Rise to the Throne

In 1867, Emperor Komei died, and Meiji ascended to the throne at the age of 15. His reign began at a time of great turmoil in Japan. The country was divided between those who wanted to modernize and those who wanted to preserve traditional values. Meiji was determined to modernize Japan, and he embarked on a series of reforms that would transform the country.

The Meiji Restoration

The Meiji Restoration was a period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan. Meiji and his advisors adopted a number of Western technologies and ideas, including the telegraph, the railroad, and the steam engine. They also reformed the government, the education system, and the military. These reforms helped to create a new Japan that was more prosperous and powerful than ever before.

One of the most important reforms of the Meiji Restoration was the abolition of the feudal system. This system had divided Japan into a number of small, independent domains, each ruled by its own feudal lord. The Meiji government abolished the feudal system and created a centralized government. This new government was more efficient and effective, and it helped to promote economic growth and development.

Japan's Rise to Power

The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan into a major world power. Japan rapidly industrialized, and its economy grew rapidly. The Japanese military also became one of the most powerful in the world. Japan fought and won a series of wars against China and Russia, which expanded its territory and increased its influence in Asia.

Meiji was a key figure in Japan's rise to power. He was a strong leader who was determined to modernize Japan and make it a major world power. His policies and reforms helped to lay the foundation for Japan's success in the 20th century.

Death and Legacy

Meiji died on July 30, 1912, at the age of 59. He was succeeded by his son, Emperor Taisho. Meiji's legacy is immense. He is considered one of the greatest emperors in Japanese history. He led Japan through a period of great change and modernization, and he helped to create a new Japan that was more prosperous and powerful than ever before.

Emperor Meiji was a remarkable figure who played a key role in shaping Japan's history. His policies and reforms helped to modernize Japan and make it a major world power. Meiji's legacy continues to inspire Japanese people today.

Bibliography

• Beasley, W. G. (1995). The Japanese Empire. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
• Craig, A. M. (1918). Japan Under the Meiji. New York: The Dial Press.
• Hall, J. W. (1988). Japan in the Meiji Era. Tokyo: University of Tokyo Press.
• Marius, B. (2002). The Birth of Modern Japan. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
• Storry, R. (1960). A History of Modern Japan. London: Penguin Books.

Emperor of Japan: Meiji and His World, 1852–1912

by Donald Keene

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22834 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	957 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE