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Emperor Meiji: life and legacy
A young emperor
Mutsuhito inherited the throne during the collapse of Tokugawa authority. Political leaders invoked restoration of imperial rule to legitimate a new government after civil war.
Government in his name
Oligarchs abolished domains, built national institutions and transformed taxation, education and the military. The emperor attended ceremonies and tours, but policy was not the work of one personal moderniser.
Constitutional monarchy
The 1889 constitution located sovereignty in the emperor while creating a cabinet and elected Diet. Carefully designed ritual and imagery made the monarch a visible focus of national loyalty.
Empire and memory
Wars against Qing China and Russia expanded Japanese power, and Korea was annexed near the end of the reign. Later memory of a harmonious 'Meiji restoration' can conceal coercion, political opposition and colonial violence.
