明治時代
Meiji
1868 - 1912
Overview
The era of 'Enlightened Rule' that transformed Japan from a feudal society into a modern industrial nation. The Emperor was restored to power, and Japan rapidly adopted Western technology, government, and culture.
Significance
End of the samurai class, establishment of constitutional government, and Japan's emergence as a world power. Marked by intense cultural clash between tradition and modernity.
Yokai Context
Yokai faced near-extinction as 'superstition' during modernization, but scholars like Inoue Enryo studied them scientifically. Lafcadio Hearn's ghost story collections ('Kwaidan') preserved many legends for Western audiences.
Key Events
Meiji Restoration
Emperor Meiji takes power, ending 265 years of Tokugawa rule.
Publication of Kwaidan
Lafcadio Hearn publishes his famous collection of Japanese ghost stories.