Meiji History

Emperor Meiji (1): Monarch for a New Era

Emperor Meiji (1): Monarch for a New Era

  • 17th April 2019

On 1 April – no, this was not a hoax! – a new era was announced in Japan. The Reiwa era will begin on 1 May when the present crown prince Naruhito succeeds his father Emperor Akihito who will finally be granted his wish to abdicate. In former times it…

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Yoshida Shôin 吉田松陰 (2): A Fateful Encounter

Yoshida Shôin 吉田松陰 (2): A Fateful Encounter

  • 9th March 2019

On 8 July 1853 a frightening sight met the eyes of the people of Shimoda village, at the entrance into the bays of Sagami and Tokyo. Far out at sea, several ships seemed to be on fire. Moreover, they were coming closer. The fire, it turned out, was just smoke…

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