The Making of Modern Japan
In the 1860s a group of the younger Samurai launched the Meiji revolution in the Emperor's name. This event, writes Henry McAleavy, helped convert Japan into a modern country, with Western fashions and techniques imposed upon the national habits of centuries.
A little after ten o’clock on the evening of March 2nd, 1868, a party of Europeans approached the entrance to a Buddhist temple in the newly-opened port of Kobe on the Inland Sea of Japan. Despite the lateness of the hour, in order to gain admission they had to pass through a crowd that had gathered outside the building.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
