Who's Who in the Far East/MUTSU-HITO, Emperor of Japan
MUTSU-HITO, Emperor of Japan (TOKYO), 121st Emperor; descended from Kinperor Jiramu, who founded the dynasty, 660 B.C.; b. Nov. 3, 1852, at Kyoto, m. Feb. 9, 1869, Princess Haruko (b. May 28, 1850), d. of Prince Ichigo. Succeeded to the throne upon death of father, Emperor Komei, Feb. 13, 1867; the country was at time under virtual rule of Shogun; the Shogun, Keiki, asked to be permitted to resign, Oct. 14, 1867; resignation accepted, Oct. 16, 1887, and Emperor assumed full power, thus ending rule of Shogunate which had existed since 1187, A.D.; Government reorganised Dec. 9, 1867; as consequence of dissatisfaction of certain Daimyo (noblemen) who had throughout remained faithful to Shogun, civil war broke out 1868, and continued until 1869, when the rebels were defeated and the work of the restoration allowed to proceed unchecked; Emperor abolished feudalism by Imperial decree, 1871; negotiations for abolition of extraterritoriality commenced, 1871, (Great Britain assented, 1894, and other countries followed example in due course); freedom of religions belief granted, 1872; re-organisation of army and navy, and education upon Western lines were entered upon and Imperial Decree promising establishment of Parliament promulgated, Oct. 12, 1881; Constitution promulgated, Feb. 11, 1889; first meeting of Parliament, Nov. 29, 1890; war declared against China, Aug. l, 1894; at close of victorious war Emperor was granted by unanimous vote of Diet 22,000,000 out of indemnity paid by China as mark of gratitude for his direction of the naval and military operations; Anglo-Japanese Alliance formed Jan., 1902; war declared against Russia, Feb. 10, 1904; peace concluded after remarkable series of victories on land and sea, Sept., 1905; Anglo-Japine.se Alliance renewed for 10 years, 1905. Issue: Prince Yoshi-hito, Crown Prince (q. v.) Princess Masako; Princess Fusako; Princess Nobuko; Princess Toshiko. Residence: Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan.