Biography

Emperor Meiji Tenno (personal name Mutsuhito) was the Emperor of Japan from 1867 until his death in 1912. His ascension to the throne coincided with the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration to the emperor of supreme executive authority. His period of rule is known as the Meiji Period, after the name he took during his coronation. Emperor Meiji was responsible for a number of cultural changes that occurred in Japan during this time, and is remembered for helping superimpose Western ideas and innovations with traditional Japanese culture.

 

During his trip to Asia in 1870, William H. Seward met with Emperor Meiji. It was reported in 18701023FWS_WHS1 that this was the first meeting between the Emperor and a private individual.