Emperor Meiji

Reign: 1867 – 1912
Life: 1852–1912

The Meiji Restoration proclaimed the Empire of Japan in 1868, beginning the Meiji era. During his reign, Japan transformed from a feudal state under the Tokugawa shogunate into a major imperial power. The opening of Japan to the West from 1854 fueled domestic demands for modernization, and when Mutsuhito became emperor after the death of his father Emperor Kōmei in 1867, it triggered the Boshin War, in which samurai (mostly from the Chōshū and Satsuma Domains) defeated the shogunate and restored power in his name. Taiwan and Korea were annexed in 1895 and 1910, respectively. Emperor Meiji died aged 59 at Meiji Palace in Tokyo, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Yoshihito.

During Emperor Meiji's reign, Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled Austria, Wilhelm II ruled Prussia, and William III of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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From the library

Go deeper on Emperor Meiji

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower

Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

A clear textbook-style history covering emperors, shoguns, and Japan's modern transformation.

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A Modern History of Japan
Andrew Gordon
Gordon's widely used survey from the Tokugawa shogunate through Japan's rise as a world power.
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