Stuff You Missed in History Class: Emperor Meiji and the Meiji Jingu Shrine

Episode Release Date: May 19, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction: An Unexpected Journey to Meiji Jingu Shrine

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the transformative era of Japan's history under Emperor Meiji and explore the significance of the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Holly shares her personal experience visiting the shrine during a trip to Japan, which serves as a gateway to uncovering the profound changes that shaped modern Japan.

Holly Fry [03:00]:
"I did very little planning for this trip, so I was like, whatever y's go with my husband and best friend, and we let them pick the itinerary, which was actually great. And we went to a lot of cool places... one of the things was visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine."

Emperor Meiji: Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Emperor Meiji, born Mutsuhito on November 3, 1852, ascended to the throne in 1867 at the age of 14 after the death of his father, Emperor Kome. His reign marked a pivotal shift from the feudal Tokugawa Shogunate to a modernized, centralized government, a period known as the Meiji Restoration.

Tracy V. Wilson [06:00]:
"Meiji favored modernization and made a lot of changes to Japan's governmental organization. Though he was Emperor from the time his father died, it wasn't until 1868 that the role of Emperor was actually seen as head of the country."

The Meiji Restoration: Overthrowing the Shogunate

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 dismantled the Tokugawa Shogunate, reinstating the Emperor as the central figure of power. This political upheaval signaled Japan's commitment to adopting Western technologies and organizational structures to compete on the global stage.

Holly Fry [07:48]:
"This important change and the taking of the name Meiji by the Emperor is known as the Meiji Restoration, signaling a lot more massive changes ahead."

The Charter Oath: Foundations of a Modern State

In 1868, Emperor Meiji promulgated the Charter Oath, a five-article document crafted by Meiji oligarchs—young samurai who had been instrumental in overthrowing the Shogunate. The oath outlined the principles of deliberative assemblies, class unity, individual freedom to pursue one's calling, the abolition of evil customs, and the pursuit of knowledge worldwide.

Tracy V. Wilson [11:02]:
"The Charter Oath promised freedoms to the people but was carefully crafted to allow governmental restrictions. For instance, 'evil customs of the past' were not clearly defined, providing leeway for the government to enforce new laws."

Abolishing Feudalism: From Daimyo to Prefectures

The Meiji government abolished the feudal system in 1871, replacing the han (feudal domains) with a prefecture system centralized under the national government. Former feudal lords were often appointed as governors, ensuring continuity and mitigating resistance to the new order.

Holly Fry [13:10]:
"The feudal system was completely abolished, transforming local daimyo rule into a centralized prefecture system, though many former lords became governors under this new structure."

Educational and Tax Reforms: Building a Modern Nation

One of Meiji's significant reforms was the establishment of a national education system in 1872, making education universal and standardized across Japan. Additionally, the 1873 land tax reform transitioned taxation from rice-based to a cash-based system, aligning Japan's economy with Western practices but imposing hardships on farmers.

Tracy V. Wilson [18:21]:
"The land tax reform moved taxation to a cash-based system with rates based on land holdings, intended to modernize the economy but made life difficult for farmers accustomed to rice taxation."

Military Expansion: Wars and Nationalism

Under Emperor Meiji, Japan emerged as a formidable military power. The First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) were pivotal conflicts that extended Japan's influence in East Asia, particularly over Korea and Manchuria. These military victories fueled a surge of nationalist pride and solidified Japan's status on the world stage.

Tracy V. Wilson [25:26]:
"The Russo-Japanese War resulted in Japan gaining control over the China Sea, giving them total access to Korea, and eventually leading to the annexation of Korea in 1910."

Annexation of Korea: A Contentious Legacy

The Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 ended the First Sino-Japanese War, granting Japan control over Taiwan and Korea. Despite initial agreements to respect Korea's autonomy, Japan's imperial ambitions culminated in the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1910, effectively making Korea a Japanese colony. This annexation remains a deeply controversial and painful chapter in Korean history.

Holly Fry [28:14]:
"The Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty proclaimed, 'the Imperial Government of Japan shall undertake the entire government and administration of Korea,' marking the start of colonial rule that has left lasting scars."

Nationalism and the Shift in Meiji Era

While the early Meiji reforms emphasized modernization and equality, over time, the focus shifted towards nationalist pride and loyalty to the Emperor. This transformation laid the groundwork for Japan's militaristic and imperialist policies in the early 20th century.

Holly Fry [35:09]:
"As Japan fought and won military conflicts, the sense of nationalism crept in, emphasizing the necessity of devotion to the Emperor and fostering a unified national identity."

Meiji Jingu Shrine: Memorializing Modern Imperialism

Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, were enshrined at the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo after their deaths. Established in 1920, the shrine serves as a spiritual and cultural landmark, embodying the integration of Shinto beliefs with Japan's imperial history.

Tracy V. Wilson [36:57]:
"Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine that memorializes Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, reflecting their role as the first modern imperial rulers of Japan and their contributions to the nation's transformation."

Architectural and Natural Beauty of Meiji Jingu Shrine

Designed by renowned architect Ito Chuta, the Meiji Jingu Shrine complex spans approximately 173 acres and is surrounded by a meticulously maintained forest of over 170,000 trees donated from across Japan. The shrine's architecture, primarily using Japanese cypress and copper, exemplifies traditional Shinto style. Despite being destroyed during World War II air raids, the shrine was faithfully reconstructed in 1958 based on the original plans.

Holly Fry [40:15]:
"The shrine was designed in a traditional Shinto style with Japanese cypress and copper. After being destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt in 1958, preserving the original architectural integrity."

Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine: A Blend of Tradition and Serenity

Today, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a serene oasis amidst Tokyo's bustling cityscape. Visitors traverse a lengthy walk through the Yoyogi Imperial Garden, passing through torii gates and engaging in purification rituals at the Temizuya. The shrine offers various facilities, including a museum, a sacred music hall, and opportunities to purchase omamori (amulets) and ema (votive tablets).

Tracy V. Wilson [42:23]:
"Visitors can make small offerings, purchase votive tablets called Emma, and write their wishes and hopes. The shrine grounds are free to enter and open daily from sunrise to sunset."

Conclusion: Reflecting on Emperor Meiji's Legacy

Emperor Meiji's reign was a period of profound transformation for Japan, steering the nation from isolation to becoming a global power. While his modernization efforts laid the foundation for Japan's economic and military prowess, they also paved the way for complex and often troubling historical developments, particularly in Korea. The Meiji Jingu Shrine stands as a testament to this era, embodying both the reverence for the Emperor and the intricate interplay of tradition and progress.

Holly Fry [37:45]:
"Though many of the reforms during Meiji's reign had problematic consequences later on, he is still recognized for bringing Japan out of isolationist thinking and into the global community."

Notable Quotes:

• Tracy V. Wilson [11:02]:
  "The Charter Oath promised freedoms to the people but was carefully crafted to allow governmental restrictions."

• Holly Fry [28:14]:
  "The Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty proclaimed, 'the Imperial Government of Japan shall undertake the entire government and administration of Korea,' marking the start of colonial rule."

• Holly Fry [37:45]:
  "Though many of the reforms during Meiji's reign had problematic consequences later on, he is still recognized for bringing Japan out of isolationist thinking and into the global community."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Emperor Meiji's impact on Japan's transformation and the enduring legacy of the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Holly and Tracy provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of this critical period in Japanese history.