Emperor Meiji, also known as Meiji the Great, was a Japanese monarch who ruled from February 1867 until his death in July 1912. He played a pivotal role in transforming Japan from a feudal country to an industrialized world power during the Meiji period. Under his reign, Japan underwent a remarkable political, economic, and social revolution, propelling it to become one of the great powers on the world stage.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Great Emperor Meiji, The Holy Emperor Meiji
- Died At Age: 59
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Empress Shōken (m. 1869), Empress Shōken (m. 1869–1912)
- Father: Emperor Kōmei
- Mother: Nakayama Yoshiko
- Children: Akiko – Princess ShigeA, Emperor Taishō, Fumiko – Princess Masu, Fusako Kitashirakawa, Michihito – Prince Aki, Princess Masako Takeda, Princess Nobuko Asaka, Shigeko – Princess Ume, Shizuko – Princess Hisa, Takiko – Princess Sada, Teruhito – Prince Mitsu, Toshiko Higashikuni, Wakamitsuteru-hiko no Mikoto, Wakatakayori-hime no Mikoto, Yukihito – Prince Take
- Born Country: Japan
- Height: 1.62 m
- Died on: July 30, 1912
- Place of death: Tokyo, Japan
- Diseases & Disabilities: Nephritis, Diabetes
- City: Kyoto, Japan
Childhood & Early Life
Prince Mutsuhito was born on November 3, 1852, in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kyoto, Yamashiro Province, Japan. He was the son of Emperor Kōmei and his favourite lady-in-waiting, Nakayama Yoshiko. Unfortunately, four of his five siblings died before reaching adulthood, leaving only his sister, Princess Suma, who survived infancy. Due to prevalent consanguineous marriages in the upper-class Japanese society at the time, Mutsuhito, like other children in the royal family, suffered from the effects of inbreeding. He had mandibular prognathism and spinal deformation, which were later discovered in his children as well. Mutsuhito grew up during a time of significant changes in Japan, including the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and his American Naval squadron in 1853, which demanded Japan to allow international trade.
Accession & Reign
For nearly seven centuries, Japan was governed by the shōgun, military dictators appointed by the emperors. During Emperor Kōmei’s reign, the bakufu, who ran the country, were struggling. The emergence of the violent Shishi organization, comprised of young samurai, added to the political turmoil. It is unknown if Mutsuhito was aware of these issues as he mostly studied waka poetry during this period. After Emperor Kōmei’s death in 1867, Mutsuhito became Emperor Meiji and inherited the ongoing political struggles. The shōgun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, resigned in November 1867, leading to the restoration of imperial rule. Meiji received the Charter Oath in 1868, which ended feudalism and introduced modern democracy in Japan. He actively participated in government meetings and functions, but rarely spoke. He led the government forces against the remnants of the bakufu army and renamed the city of Edo to Tokyo in 1868. Meiji’s formal coronation took place in Kyoto in 1868, and he declared the new era as Meiji or “enlightened rule.”
Meiji’s Reforms
Emperor Meiji sought to strengthen Japan’s military, particularly the navy, and became more involved in the administration. Many daimyōs relinquished their land property rights and became governors, leading to the abolition of samurai privileges and class-based distinctions. Japan was officially divided into 72 prefectures in 1871. However, the new parliament had limited authority, and the real power was held by the most powerful men in the military, political, and economic spheres. Meiji’s government was an oligarchy, and the post of “prime minister” was created in 1885.
Family & Personal Life
After his coronation, Emperor Meiji married Ichijō Haruko, who became known as Empress Shōken. They did not have any children together, but Meiji had 15 children with his five official ladies-in-waiting. His successor, Emperor Taishō, was born to one of the ladies-in-waiting. Only four of Meiji’s children survived to adulthood.
Death & Legacy
In 1910, the High Treason Incident occurred, where socialists and anarchists attempted to assassinate Emperor Meiji. He passed away on July 30, 1912, due to various health issues. During his reign, Japan underwent rapid changes, transitioning from its feudal past to a modern future. There is debate among scholars about Meiji’s contribution to these changes, with some considering him a figurehead without real power and others viewing him as an autocrat with anti-democratic tendencies.