From the outset of the Meiji era, anti-foreignism was dropped. Emperor
Meiji’s famous Charter Oath (April 6, 1868) contained this statement:
“Knowledge and learning shall be sought for throughout the world in
order to establish the foundations of the Empire.”
A period of borrowing from the West, comparable only to the earlier
imitation of China, set in. One after another, Japanese official
missions were sent abroad. Foreign advisers--British, French, Dutch,
German, American--were employed in many different fields. Large numbers
of Japanese students entered the universities of Western countries.
For a short time imitation of the West went to extremes; in many
externals, Western ways became a fad. On the whole, however, there was
strict control over the process of borrowing, and careful adaptation to
Japanese needs.
In keeping with Japan’s traditions, a limited group maintained firm and
despotic power at all times. The Meiji political reforms clothed old
ideas of government in new garments. Emperor Meiji (1868-1912) reigned
again, and with some degree of authority. But actual power during his
long reign lay in the hands of the small group of men who surrounded
him. There was no thoroughgoing mass upheaval, forcing recognition of
popular rights. Reforms were dictated from the top down.