The Meiji Era and Japan's Journey to Modernization

The Meiji Period is a term used to refer to the 45-year reign of Emperor Meiji in Japan, which lasted from 1868 to 1912. The Meiji Period marked the end of the Tokagawa era in Japan and was a major shift in Japanese culture as well as the way of life. There were major reforms in Japanese law, society, government, the military and economics during the Meiji regime. It took Japan from a world isolated from the outside world to one that was a major player in the global economy and world politics in a very short amount of time. This process brought many positives but also some negatives dealing with ancient Japanese culture and older ways of life.

The first reform of the Meiji Period was the Five Charter Oath, set out in 1868. The Five Charter Oath was designed to state the aims of the new Meiji government clearly, in order to boost public opinion and support for the government and the new designs and systems that would be in place. (Charter Oath, Wikipedia) This Oath included clauses dictating the establishment of a representative assembly, the agreement that all classes would be included in governmental decisions, and more freedom in terms of mobility in occupations and social structure. Also, there were reforms within the legal system to replace outdated customs with laws and rules that were more fair to citizens, and there was an increased commitment to education and knowledge within society. (Wikipedia) The Five Charter Oath paved the way for a more democratic and modern form of government and a constitution dictating the terms of that government.

The ruling classes underwent intense changes under the Meiji Period, with new ranks established for people who had performed notable services for the emperor. The former system of daimyo, or feudal leaders, and the samurai were replaced by the new system. (Mayer, Japanese Modern State Formation) Only a select few of the former ruling classes were selected for noble rankings, and many former daimyo found themselves as governors over their former holdings, rather than absolute rulers. It was definitely a demotion for these individuals, and it was not an easy adjustment for them to make. Land ownership changed under the Meiji Period as well, with the former assets of daimyo and the ruling classes now belonging to the Emperor. Many of the former daimyo, whose pensions had been paid in a lump sum, did actually benefit through investments they made in emerging industries. Those who had been informally involved in foreign trade before the Meiji Restoration also had success financially. Eventually, private ownership of land was legalized, and a system of tax laws and surveying was put in place to regulate ownership. (Mayer) Everyday citizens were able to hold and improve land and property, adding to the potential for social mobility and growth as well.

The Meiji Period also took steps towards representational government, and a House of Representatives was established, along with a group of advisers to the Emperor. The Emperor still held ultimate power, but the people now had much more influence over the government than they had under the feudal Tokugawa Shogunate. The government also had a House of Peers consisting of some noble individuals, and the Meiji Constitution served as the primary governing document in Japan all the way until the year 1947. While there were still many flaws in the Meiji government, it marked a positive move towards equal representation for all citizens in so many different areas of life. Japan also began to have a party system during this period, and these parties were recognized as a vital part of the government and were given power and position as well.

Becoming a world power in such a short time was remarkable progress for Japan considering how far behind they were in terms of imports and exports, contacts with other countries dealing with trade and commerce, and just overall production in their country during the Tokagawa period. One reason for the speed of Japan's modernization was the hiring of over 3,000 foreign experts in a range of fields such as teaching English, science, and engineering. This Period therefore marked huge technological advances in Japan. Hiring these foreign experts greatly assisted the Japanese in creating modern technological systems and advances to help bring the country up to par in this department. Japan also sent youths abroad to learn English and explore other nations both through the educational system and through other outlets, then bring their knowledge back for national improvement. The fifth and last article of the Charter Oath of 1868 was the basis for sending these individuals overseas to soak up knowledge to bring back to Japan. It stated: "Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundations of Imperial rule". This process helped to spread knowledge, wealth and education throughout society, and aided in modernization. Modernization was closely regulated, watched over, and subsidized by the Meiji government, enhancing the power of the great zaibatsu conglomerate firms such as Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda. .Soon, Japan controlled most of the Asian market for manufactured goods, propelling itself from a position of relative non-existence in that market into that of a leading power. Japan also expanded into formerly European dominated markets around the world which helped the economy.

In addition to economic modernization, Japan also modernized the military during the Meiji Period, sending cadets