Meiji

[mey-jee]

noun

Japanese History.

1. the designation of the period of the reign of Emperor Mutsuhito from 1868 to 1912.

Meiji

/ ˈmeɪˈdʒiː /

noun

1. Japanese history the reign of Emperor Mutsuhito (1867–1912), during which Japan began a rapid process of Westernization, industrialization, and expansion in foreign affairs

2. the throne name of Mutsuhito (ˌmuːtsʊˈhiːtəʊ). 1852–1912, emperor of Japan (1867–1912)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Meiji¹

1870–75; < Japanese meiji, earlier meidi enlightened peace < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese míng bright + zhì pacify

Word History and Origins

Origin of Meiji¹

Japanese, from Chinese ming enlightened + dji government

Example Sentences

Twice before in modern history—the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and again the long boom after World War II—Japan has achieved rapid transformations and almost-miraculous levels of growth.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Considering the Meiji period was when the samurai became obsolete, the potential for social commentary mixed in with high-stakes combat seems pretty high.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Last November, a 65-year-old American tourist was arrested on suspicion of scrawling graffiti onto a wooden gate at the Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo.

Read more on BBC

But two sisters, descendants of a disgraced samurai clan, want that box too, and the imperial secret placed within it by Emperor Meiji.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Born in Tokyo, Kara majored in theater at Meiji University in Tokyo, which boasts an extensive archive of Kara’s works.

Read more on Seattle Times