The constitutional development of Japan, 1853-1881

by Toyokichi Iyenaga

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891 edition. ... may firmly establish the foundations of the Imperial 1. Let them restore the territories which they have received from the Emperor and return to a constitutional and undivided country. 2. Let them abandon their titles, and under the name of Kuazoku (persons of honor) receive such small properties as may suffice for their wants. 3. Let the oificers of the clans abandoning that title call themselves officers of the Emperor, receiving property equal to that which they have hitherto held. Let these three important measures be adopted forthwith, that the empire may be raised on a basis imperishable for ages... 2nd year of Meiji (1869). (Signed) AKIDZUKI UKIo no "' But politics is not an easy game--a game which a pedant or a sentimental scholar or an orator can leisurely play. It has to deal with passions, ambitions, and selfish interests of men, as well as with the moral and intellectual consciousness of the people. Tongue and pen wield, undoubtedly, a great influence in shaping the thought of the nation and impressing them with the importance of any political measure. But the tongue is as sounding brass and the pen as useless steel unless they are backed by force and money. Even in such a country as England, where tongue and pen seem to reign supreme, a prime minister before he forms his cabinet has to be closeted for hours with Mr.. Rothschild. Fortunately this important measure of abolishing feudalism, which a few patriots had secretly plotted and which the scholars had noised abroad, was taken up first by the most powerful and wealthy Daimios of the country. In the following noted memorial, after reviewing the political history of Japan during the past few hundred years, these Daimios " Now the...

56 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

1862-1936

Reviews

[Flavio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Constitutional Development of Japan (1863-1881) is a primary source documenting the singular events and upheavals which Japan underwent on its road to modernization, from a contemporary perspective.

Written in 1891, in the midst of the innovations ushered in by the defeat of the Shogunate, the Meiji Restoration and the end of feudalism, this book offers noteworthy historical and political insight ranging from the time when Commodore Perry arrived in command of his fear-striking Black Ships (kurofune) -- in a fine exercise of gunboat diplomacy, forcing Japan (which had lived in complete seclusion for three centuries) to open their ports to international trade. This event started a chain reaction reaction which eventually led to the demise of the shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor as nominal sovereign.

The book documents the rapid modernization of Japan, the flourishing of its foreign relations, its tentative path towards democracy and how it went from being a quiet archipelago to a superpower in just a few years.

Highly recommended for those interested in Japanese history.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traces the history of the Constitution of Japan from the fall of the Tokugawa era to the early years of the Meiji era. Short and succinct.