Internal discontent coincided with demands for trade and diplomatic relations. In 1853, the USA sent Commodore Matthew Perry (1794- 1858) to Japan to demand that the government sign a treaty that would permit trade and open diplomatic relations, which it did the following year. Japan lay on the route to China which the USA saw as a major market; also, their whaling ships in the Pacific needed a place to refuel. At that time, there was only one Western country that traded with Japan, Holland.

Beginning of Meiji Restoration

The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853 marked a significant turning point in Japanese history. This event and the broader context had several important consequences for Japan:

• End of Isolation: Japan had been largely isolated from the outside world for centuries. 
  • Perry’s arrival led to the signing of a treaty in 1854 that permitted trade and diplomatic relations with the United States, effectively ending Japan’s isolation.
• Political Shift: Prior to Perry’s arrival, the emperor had held little political power, with the shogunate ruling in practice. 
  • However, in 1868, a movement removed the shogun from power and restored the emperor as a significant political figure. 
  • Edo was renamed Tokyo, meaning ‘eastern capital,’ and became the new capital.
• Embracing Modernization: Fearing colonization like India and influenced by European developments, Japanese leaders adopted the slogan “fukoku kyohei” (rich country, strong army). 
  • They aimed to modernize the economy and build a strong military.
• Emperor System: The government worked to build what they referred to as the “emperor system.”

• • The emperor was portrayed as the leader of westernization, and the Imperial Rescript on Education (1890) emphasized loyalty, learning, and promoting common interests.
• Education Reforms: A new school system was established from the 1870s, with compulsory education for both boys and girls. 
  • The curriculum, initially based on Western models, evolved to incorporate modern ideas with an emphasis on Japanese history and moral culture.
• Administrative Changes: The government restructured administrative units, adjusting village and domain boundaries, and implemented a modern military draft. 
  • This was a significant step towards creating a centralized state. The military and bureaucracy were placed under the emperor’s direct command.

• Foreign Policy and Democracy: Japan’s rapid modernization led to tensions between democratic ideals and the growing power of the military. Japan engaged in wars with China and Russia, emerging victorious in both. 
  • The government’s aggressive policies often conflicted with popular demands for greater democracy.
  •  Japan’s economic development and acquisition of a colonial empire, which suppressed democracy and placed it in conflict with colonized peoples, had far-reaching consequences.
• Foundations of Transformation: Japan’s transformation during this period laid the foundation for its emergence as a major industrial and colonial power in Asia.

The Meiji Era in Japan brought about significant economic reforms and modernization. Let us understand some key aspects of this transformation.

Modernizing the Economy

Agricultural Tax: The government raised funds by levying an agricultural tax. This tax provided a source of revenue to fund various modernization projects.

• Infrastructure Development: Japan’s first railway line was constructed between Tokyo and the port of Yokohama from 1870 to 1872. 
  • The railway system played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation.
• Industrialization: Japan imported textile machinery from Europe and employed foreign technicians to train workers in modern manufacturing methods. 
  • Universities and schools were established to provide education in industrial and technological fields.

• Banking and Financial Institutions: In 1872, modern banking institutions were established. 
  • These financial institutions helped facilitate capital investment in various industries and ventures.
• Shipbuilding Industry: Companies like Mitsubishi and Sumitomo received subsidies and tax benefits to become major shipbuilders. 
  • This support allowed Japanese trade to be carried in Japanese ships, reducing dependence on foreign vessels.
• Zaibatsu: Large business organizations known as zaibatsu emerged during this period. These were controlled by individual families and dominated the Japanese economy until after World War II.
• Population Growth and Migration: Japan’s population, which stood at 35 million in 1872, increased to 55 million by 1920. 
  • To alleviate population pressure, people were encouraged to move to regions such as the northern island of Hokkaido, as well as overseas destinations like Hawaii and Brazil.
• Urbanization: As industrialization progressed, there was a significant shift of the population from rural areas to urban centers. 
  • By 1925, 21 percent of the population lived in cities, and this figure rose to 32 percent (22.5 million) by 1935.

Conclusion

The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan from a feudal society into a modern industrial and military power. Through extensive economic reforms, administrative changes, and Western influences, Japan emerged as a significant player on the global stage, shaping its future as a major industrial and colonial power.