ABSTRACT
Before the epochs of Western imperialism and decolonization, there were no parliaments in East Asia. 1 The exception was Meiji Japan which began to adopt various aspects of modernization and Westernization in 1868 to build national strength, protect its independence, and win respect and equality from the West. To appear “modern” and respectable to the advanced Western powers then was to adopt the form of a constitutional government including the trappings of parliament.
