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Meiji
1868 – 1912. Samurai out, trains in. A country rebuilds itself at speed.
1868 – 1880s
The Meiji Restoration: Samurai Out, Tokyo In
A young emperor, a new capital and a government that abolished the samurai class within a decade.
1870s – 1900s
Trains, Silk and Suits: Japan Modernises at Top Speed
Railways, factories, schools and a world tour by the government's brightest, all in one generation.
1889 – 1912
A Constitution and Two Wars: Japan Joins the Great Powers
The Meiji Constitution, the Diet, and victories over China and Russia that changed Japan's place in the world.
Ancient times – today
Hokkaidō and the Ainu: History from the North
Who the Ainu are, how Hokkaidō was incorporated into Japan, and how to learn about Ainu culture respectfully.