Page 2Time Is Money!

Page 3Lifestyle Section

Fall-ing For Trends

Page 4Editorial: Women’s Rights During the Meiji Period

Circle of Emotions

Page 5 Russo-Japanese Political Cartoon

Korea For Our Taking

Inside This Issue:

THE MEIJI TIMESSpecial Edition

Elsie Ling

1 8 6 8 -1912

THE CONSTI TUTIO N OF T HE EMPIRE OF JA PA N

emperor meiji comments on new constitution!By: MiyuJust recently, a new constitution has been created. Known as the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, it was completed jointly by Ito Hirobumi and Hermann Roesler. It was formally recognized by Emperor Meiji on February 11, 1889 and contains new points that resolve the problems of the previous Constitution of 1868.

This new constitution contains main points like: the emperor is the absolute ruler or head of state, the e m p e r o r c a n d i s s o l v e t h e parliament (Diet), create his own legislation, or veto a legislation, individual ministers are responsible to the emperor and not the Diet, and the Diet is composed of two

p a r t s - t h e H o u s e o f Representatives and the House of Peers. The system was based off t h e P r u s s i a n ( G e r m a n ) parliamentary system that Ito Hirobumi discovered on a study mission in Europe. This constitution fi x e d t h e p r o b l e m s o f t h e Constitution of 1868; it gave people the right to be represented in g o v e r n m e n t b y a n a t i o n a l parliament and it preserves national unity within Japan.

After interviewing Emperor Meiji, he said that “This new constitution will provide Japan the opportunity to finally reach its original goals as a nation”.

When asked which part he liked the most, he said “the House of Representatives, because it gives the people a chance to express their feelings towards me and the government”.

When he was asked to comment on the part mentioning his absolute power Emperor Meiji said that “Although some people may see this as me trying to gain more power, I can say that I had nothing to do with this decision, and also that I will absolutely not abuse my power.” He claims that he “would never do anything to hurt the wonderful Japan that we have created.”

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Time is money!By:Daichi

The Tokyo Railway Station when it was first opened. This was when the need for railways and trains was building up to connect the cities of Japan.

During the Meiji Restoration, there were many changes made to Japan. The biggest goals dealt with building a larger economy and laying the foundations of modern industry. Sponsored by the Japanese government, the most act ion occurred from 1868-1885 as Japan started catching up with the West!

In the beginning, Japan started out as a non-industrialized country. Most of the workers were farmers or craftspeople and most industries used very traditional styles, limiting the production.

But when the Meiji Period started in 1868, new changes began, starting with industrialization. That became the main goal of the period. The government created a policy that sponsored industry and promoted enterprise. This was known as Shokusan Koygo. It was the basis of all economic and industrial growth.

Furthermore, strategic industries were developed. To build a rich country and a strong military, Japan built an industry based on the military, based on heavy industry, e n g i n e e r i n g , m i n i n g , a n d shipbuilding. With the introduction of this, foreign instructors were employed to train workers and to teach at specialized schools. Under this method, Japan has become the world’s top producer of coal and copper, marking a huge step from the original marker.

Although there were some financial problems early in the Meiji period, they were soon resolved. The Yen was adopted as the official currency of Japan in 1871 and all clan notes were replaced. This proved to

remedy the inflation and decreased internal revenue that was present.

Banking, another huge part of economy, was altered as well. Favoring a Western style, Japan attempted to use the American style system and later changed to a European style banking system in 1882, which is still in use now. The switch proved to be a good one because Japan has developed the Bank o f Japan in 1882 and s p e c i a l i z e d b a n k s , l i k e t h e Yokohama Specie Bank, built in 1880.

The problem of internal revenue, which was a major problem in the beginning of the Meiji period was s o o n s o l v e d . I n 1 8 7 3 , t h e government introduced a new land tax that became the main revenue for Japan. It collected 3% of all farmers’ annual crops.

The communication between the cities of Japan were made much simpler with the introduction of modern communications. Telegraph lines were constructed, linking all the cities in Japan. Railways were also built from Tokyo and Kobe, carrying around two million people a year to this day.

A final change, but certainly not the least, is the growth of the Zaibatsu. As the economy was growing, the government needed to keep the industries growing and to do that, it needed to se l l some o f the industries. These turned into large businesses called Zaibatsu, some popular ones being Kawasaki and Mitsubishi.

All of these changes happened in the early seventeen years of the Meiji period, changing Japan’s economic outlook for the near future.

“...starting with industrialization. That became 

the main goal of the period...”

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A very popular dish that has emerged in Japan is meat loaf. Get the delicious recipe right here!

Meatloaf (Serves 8 people):1 1/2 lb. of ground beef1 egg1 onion, chopped1 cup of milk1 cup dried bread crumbssalt and pepper to your liking2 tablespoons of brown sugar2 tablespoons of mustard1/3 cup of ketchup

Directions:Preheat oven to 175 degrees CMix the beef, egg, onion, milk, and bread crumbs together and sprinkle with salt and pepperPlace inside a greased baking pan in the shape of a loafIn a separate bowl mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Once it is mixed well, pour over meatloaf.Bake at 175 degrees C for 1 hourHope you enjoy!

A little hint: Add some carrots or peppers for a fresher taste!

By :Naoki

What’s new this season? What’s coming out in the trendiest shops? What will you wear for the next important party? Find out right here in this season’s edition of Fall-ing for Trends.

Morning CoatsRecently, the morning coat has grown into one of the most popular styles in Japan. At first it was worn for all court meetings or official ceremonies, but it has become the standard and stylish dress for formal occasions of any types, ranging from parties to business meetings.

HairstylesAs with the recent craze of Western style, it isn’t a surprise that Western hairstyles have become popular! So for those people who still have their samurai top-knots, maybe it’s time to reconsider and get you a haircut?

Walking DressThe latest style of dresses in the West includes the acclaimed walking dress. It has a tiered and ruffled skirt back.The sleeves are often tight-fitting with perhaps a slight flare at the end. Although these dresses are not the most practical at times, they are certainly showy and beautiful.

lifestyle sectionBy:Kaito

The Rokumeikan Dance Hall in Japan has become the latest place to enjoy and evening. This two story dance hall located in Tokyo was built in 1883 with Westernization in mind. Famous for its balls and parties, the building attracts many high-ranking politicians and foreign diplomats.

There, you can learn how to ball room dance while you interact with the most important people in Japan. There is a dance held every Sunday night.

The newest craze for the wealthy elite of Japan’s society is to send their kids to primary school. Since the Ministry of Education has been created in 1871, more and more kids have been eager to come visit and attend the School of Tokyo. We hear rumors that primary school may become required soon...so get a heads up!Equally as popular is the Tokyo University. Built in 1877, it has been updated to a multi-faculty university. It has become the main training center for al l future pol it ical candidates.

We even provide fun recipes for

you to try out at home!

Fall-ing for Trends

Don’t Forget to come visit Tokyo Grocer!

Newly imported Western foods! Beef! Beer! Dairy!

20% OFF specialized beef!

Only qualifies with this coupon ; One per customer; Expires after one use

BUY ONE TUB OF YOGURT GET ONE

1/2 OFF!

Only applies with imported brands; Maximum of 10 tubs; Cannot mix brands; One per customer T

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Editorial:Women’s Rights During the Meiji PeriodBy: Asuka

Most people refer to the Meiji Period as the “life changing” experience of Japan. I, highly disagree with that. One thing, that is in great need of reform is the plight of Japanese women. The government did nothing to improve women’s social, economic, or political status. Women are still unable to to assert themselves, and they are forced to be subordinate to men.

The new Constitution of the empire of Japan, gave hope to women about it, but that was not to be. It gave men the right to be represented in the Diet, but women were given no part of it.

In 1882, the government banned women from making political speeches. In 1889, women were unable to take part in political activities. In 1898, the Civil Code gave the head of the family absolute authority. This meant that the man in charge now has the right to

control property, fix the place of res idence of ever y member, and appro ve and d i sappro ve f ami l y marriages. Wives were unable to undertake legal action, and the most offending, they were considered to have rights equal to those of cripples and disabled persons.

Women, even in their teens, have been sold into prostitution to pay off debts, by the choice of their fathers. They travel to far off lands, they are force to work and, more often than not, they never return to Japan because of the shame.

I, as a woman, have never felt so undermined to be treated in this fashion. I really do hope that the government has the ability to see past th i s pre jud ice and to ac tua l l y modernize the countr y by giving women their well deserved rights!

In 1894, war was declared between China and Japan. Known as the Sino-Japanese War, it was prompted by China’s unwillingness to release Korea as an independent country. This war lasted for a single year, but it caused a full circle of emotions for the Japanese.

From the beginning, Japan was determined and calm. Japan was willing to do anything to defeat China, and they did it with complete concentration, winning victories both on land and on water.

But, the Japanese were slowly and steadily gaining power. Soon, they won the war against China. This was a large feat for Japan, because they proved that they were able to defeat a large and powerful army. This sparked nationalism and euphoria in Japan!

This feeling was not to last very long. When the army got to Manchuria, they attacked Port Arthur. This siege lasted three months and when the fortress finally fell, the army took it upon themselves to massacre over 60,000 Chinese. When the Massacre at Port Arthur was revealed to the rest of the world, Japan was humiliated and defensive.

This cycle of emotions was very complicated for the Japanese, and although Japan won the war, it lost part of it’s respect as well.

Three karayuki-san, also known as overseas prostitutes. Many of these types of women were sold into prostitution by their parents. They became well known during the Meiji Period.

This map shows where most of the battles during the First Sino-Japanese War took place.

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C irc le of EmotionsBy:Manami

Korea for Our TakingBy: Momoko

`

he Russo-Japanese War ended with the Treaty of Portsmouth.

This treaty was offered by Theodore Roosevelt, the President of the United States. Because both sides had suffered great casualties, they accepted it, and on September 5, 1905 the war was brought to an official end when the document wa s s i gned in Ne w Hampshire.

This war began soon after the Sino-Japanese War ended. Russia was gaining power in Asia because of its command of Manchuria. After the Triple Intervention, Russia also gained power of the Liaotung Peninsula and soon later, Russia was able to conquer the South Manchurian Railway. These signs of progress warned Japan that Russia was soon to be treading in their territory in Korea. Japan made an offer to Russia at the Imperial Conference in 1903, stating that it would recognize Russia’s rights in Manchuria if Russia would recognize Japan’s rights in Korea. Russia would not accept the crucial part to this agreement, and Japan was left with no other choice to declare war on Russia on February 10, 1904.

The treaty that ended this consisted of several provisions that were Japan’s first goals. They were:

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What the Western world was constantly watching and waiting for during the Russo-Japanese War.

•Russia recognizes Japan’s interests in Korea

•Russia’s lease of the Liaotung Peninsula would be transferred to Japan

•Russia surrenders its control of the South Manchurian Railway to Japan

•Japan acquires half of the island of Sakhalin

•Both nations agree not to interfere with any decision China makes regarding Manchuria

This treaty, which marked the end of the war, also marked a change in the way that the world viewed Japan. Being the first Asian country to destroy a European power, Japan was now recognized by the world.

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