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THE MEIJI RESTORATION The Meiji restoration refers to the re-emergence of an emperor in Japan. This change in power came after the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which was caused by the uprising of a group of Samurai who were pro-modernization in Japan. This group, known as the ‘oligarchy’, had seen the modern ‘black ships’ of Commander Perry, who came from America seeking trade relations with Japan. The oligarchy became convinced that they would have …

…because of the Meiji restoration. Every aspect of the Japanese way of life was altered, usually for the best. Japan’s economic, political, military and educational systems were all turned upside down. The social life of the Japanese was changed with all the new Western fashions and inventions. Modernization had cost Japan a lot of money and very hard work. It had however cost China more not to modernize. Japan had made the right decision.