Episode 462 – The Empty Throne, Part 5

This week, we wrap up our imperial biographies with a look at the Meiji Emperor’s relationship to three important aspects of his reign: the constitution, the wars fought in his name, and his heir. Plus, we talk Meiji’s death, and his legacy.

Note: no episode next week for American Thanksgiving.

Sources

Keene, Donald. Emperor of Japan: Meiji and His World, 1852-1912. 

Gluck, Carol. Japan’s Modern Myths: Ideology in the Late Meiji Period

Images

Meiji in his later years.
Crown Prince Yoshihito (the future Taisho Emperor) in 1892.
Emperor Meiji’s State funeral.
A nishiki-e print of Taisho’s marriage to the future Empress Teimei in 1900, by Yosai Nobukazu.