The Meiji Restoration is the change from the shogun’s rule to a new government centered on the Emperor. Power was returned to the Emperor in 1867, and in 1871 the domains were turned into prefectures.
1867 – 1871Toward a modern state
明治維新Meiji Restoration
1867
power returned to the Emperor
1868
the Charter Oath; Edo renamed Tokyo
1869
lords return land and people to the Emperor
1871
domains become prefectures
From the National Archives of Japan, the National Diet Library and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Power returns to the Emperor
In 1867 the shogun returned the power to govern to the Emperor. It was done in the name of building a government by public discussion, centered on the Imperial Court.
The Charter Oath
On March 14, 1868 (by the old calendar), the Charter Oath of five articles was announced. Emperor Meiji honored the kami at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and, with nobles and lords, made a vow that set out the basic aims of the new government.
Its first article put respect for public discussion at the top.
In the same year, Edo was renamed Tokyo.
From domains to prefectures
In 1869 the lords of Choshu, Satsuma, Hizen and Tosa asked to return their land and people to the Emperor, and other lords followed.
In 1871 an order ended the domains and made them prefectures. Governors were sent in place of the lords. Right after this, there were 3 “fu” and 302 “ken”.
Think about it
Q1The Charter Oath put public discussion first. Why is that important for a new government?
Q2There were 305 prefectures in 1871 and there are 47 today. Why do you think the number went down?
Q3What big changes has your country gone through?
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — Right after the domains were ended in 1871, Japan had 3 “fu” and 302 “ken”.