Definition

Proper noun * Mutsuhito: The personal name of the 122nd Emperor of Japan, who reigned from 1867 until his death in 1912. His reign is known as the Meiji period, a transformative era when Japan rapidly modernized and opened to the world.

Usage

• Mutsuhito is used historically to refer to the emperor himself, distinct from his posthumous era name, 'Meiji'.
  • The young emperor Mutsuhito moved the imperial capital from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo.
  • Historians study the policies enacted during Mutsuhito's reign.

Advanced Usage

• The Meiji Emperor: This is the most common way to refer to him in historical contexts, using his era name as an honorific title. While 'Mutsuhito' is his personal name, 'Meiji Emperor' is the standard historical reference.
  • The Meiji Emperor oversaw the dissolution of the shogunate and the restoration of imperial power.

Variants and Related Words

• Meiji: (Proper noun) The name of the era (1868–1912) corresponding to Emperor Mutsuhito's reign. It is used adjectivally to describe the period's events, culture, and reforms.
  • The Meiji Restoration was a pivotal event in Japanese history.
• Meiji Restoration: (Noun phrase) The political revolution in 1868 that restored practical imperial rule under Emperor Mutsuhito, marking the beginning of the Meiji period.

Synonyms

• The Meiji Emperor: The standard historical synonym.
• Emperor Meiji: A formal synonym.

Noun

1. emperor of Japan who encouraged the modernization of Japan (1852-1912)