ABSTRACT
The year 1868 signaled Japan’s beginning of a period of transformation into a modern state. It was brought about by dismantling the old socio-political system based on feudalism, by establishing a new socio-political system based on the West, and, ironically, by restoring Imperial rule. The period 1868–1912 was ruled by Emperor Meiji. Hence, it is referred to as the Meiji Period and the earlier part of this period is referred to as the Meiji Restoration.
