Empire of Japan
Japan, 1868–1947.
The Meiji Restoration put the emperor back at the centre of the state. Japan industrialised at great speed and built an empire, which ended with defeat in the Second World War.
Seat of power: Tokyo
Rulers
Emperor Meiji
Emperor, 1867–1912
The symbol of a revolution led by young samurai. In his name the domains were abolished, a national army formed and a constitution introduced, while ministers and elder statesmen made most decisions.
Portrait of Emperor Meiji: Unknown author, Public domain, file
Hirohito
Emperor (Showa), 1926–1947
Sovereign under the Meiji Constitution while military governments led Japan into war in China and the Pacific. In August 1945 he announced Japan's surrender by radio. Under the 1947 constitution he became a symbol of the state.
Portrait of Hirohito: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file
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Culture
- The first railway opens between Tokyo and Yokohama in 1872.
- The Meiji Constitution of 1889 creates an elected parliament, the Imperial Diet.
- Novelists such as Natsume Soseki create modern Japanese literature.
Picture
The Rokumeikan in Tokyo, a Western-style hall built in 1883 for balls and diplomatic receptions.
Image: Rijksmuseum, Public domain, file
