meiji

noun Japanese History.

1. the designation of the period of the reign of Emperor Mutsuhito from 1868 to 1912.

noun

1. Japanese history the reign of Emperor Mutsuhito (1867–1912), during which Japan began a rapid process of Westernization, industrialization, and expansion in foreign affairs
2. the throne name of Mutsuhito (ˌmuːtsʊˈhiːtəʊ). 1852–1912, emperor of Japan (1867–1912)

“period of rule of emperor Mutsuhito” (1868-1912), which was marked by modernization and Westernization, 1873, from Japanese, literally “enlightened government.”