The Constitutional Development of Japan 1853-1881 Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science, Ninth Series by T. (Toyokichi) Iyenaga — Summary & Review

The Constitutional Development of Japan 1853-1881 offers a detailed and balanced account of Japan’s political transformation during a critical period marked by foreign intrusion, internal conflict, and reform. The narrative begins with Commodore Perry’s arrival in 1853, a dramatic event that shocked the Japanese government and society. Perry’s fleet demanded access to the Japanese sovereign, exposing the country’s military weakness and forcing a confrontation with foreign powers. This intrusion sparked a fierce debate between two political factions: the Jo-i party, advocating expulsion of foreigners to preserve tradition, and the Kai-Koku party, urging openness and learning from the West.

The 1854 treaty with the United States marked the beginning of Japan’s reluctant opening to the world, followed by further foreign pressures including bombardments of Kagoshima and Shimonoseki that revealed the urgent need for national unity and modernization. During this turbulent time, councils of daimios and nobles met frequently, laying early groundwork for representative government. The political landscape was volatile, with assassinations and factional struggles culminating in the 1868 triumph of the Restoration party, which restored imperial power and ended the shogunate’s military rule.

The new government, established on pre-feudal models, introduced councils and departments to manage affairs and shifted foreign policy toward amicable relations. The Charter Oath of 1869 promised reforms and a deliberative assembly, leading to the creation of the Kogisho, a modest parliamentary body that, despite its limited influence and brief existence, represented a significant step toward constitutional governance. The capital’s move from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo) symbolized the shift in political power and modernization efforts.

Between 1869 and 1881, Japan underwent rapid social and political reforms. Feudalism was abolished as powerful daimios voluntarily surrendered their domains to the Emperor, fostering national unity. Infrastructure improvements such as telegraph lines, postal services, railroads, and steamships expanded communication and integration. Education and the press grew dramatically, spreading liberal ideas and preparing the population for political participation. The government abolished class distinctions, prohibited sword-wearing, codified laws, and ended torture, signaling a break from the old order.

The Iwakura Embassy’s tour of Western countries brought back liberal political concepts that influenced reformers like Count Itagaki, who led early movements for a representative assembly. Although initial petitions for constitutional government were ignored, local assemblies were established as training grounds for popular governance. The 1881 Imperial proclamation promised the establishment of a national parliament by 1890, marking a milestone in Japan’s constitutional development.

Throughout, the author maintains an impartial and analytical tone, acknowledging difficulties and uncertainties while highlighting the determined efforts of reformers and the natural emergence of representative government in response to internal and external pressures. The book reveals how foreign intrusion acted as a catalyst for Japan’s transformation from a feudal society into a modern constitutional state, emphasizing the interplay of political, social, educational, and economic changes that shaped this historic development.