Emperor Meiji

The name of this historical time period came from the country's young new Emperor, Emperor Meiji. Traditionally, Emperors were isolated in a castle as a sign of respect for their divine nature; however Emperor Meiji emerged as an emperor who had real political power and influence. This shift of power was significant because for the first time in centuries the Emperor had real power.

Meiji Constitution

Meiji Constitution document

The Meiji Constitution was presented as a gift to the people from the Emperor in 1889.
The Meiji Constitution also addressed the issue of how much power the Emperor had and what his rights were. The constitution makes clear that all government power stems from the rights of the Emperor.

Chart showing the political structure of Japan after the Meiji Constitution.

The Meiji Constitution was a statement of the rights and obligations of Japan's people and government, as well as a plan for the government's basic structure and functions.

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