Meiji Emperor Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Obituary, Children, Wife

The Meiji Emperor, born Mutsuhito on November 3, 1852, was the 122nd Emperor of Japan and a pivotal figure in the nation’s history.

He ascended the throne in 1867 and reigned until he died in 1912.

His reign marked the Meiji Restoration, a significant political, social, and industrial transformation that modernized Japan and turned it into a global power.

Profile

• Full Name: Mutsuhito (Meiji Emperor)
• Stage Name: Meiji Emperor
• Born: November 3, 1852
• Age: 59 years (Died on July 30, 1912)
• Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese
• Occupation: Emperor of Japan
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm)
• Parent: Emperor Kōmei, Nakayama Yoshiko
• Siblings: Princess Fuki, Imperial Princess Junko, Princess Suma, Princess Rie, Prince Myōkōgein
• Spouse: Empress Shōken
• Children: Emperor Taishō, Princess Masako Takeda, Nobuko Asaka, Toshiko Higashikuni, Fusako Kitashirakawa,
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life and Education

The Meiji Emperor, born Mutsuhito, entered the world on November 3, 1852, in Kyoto, Japan. He was the second son of Emperor Kōmei and Nakayama Yoshiko.

Mutsuhito was 59 when he died in 1912. He grew up in the imperial court during the final years of Japan’s feudal era, a time marked by internal unrest and external pressure from Western powers.

He had several siblings, including Princess Fuki, Imperial Princess Junko, Princess Suma, Princess Rie, and Prince Myōkōgein. Raised in a deeply traditional environment, he followed Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, and was ethnically Japanese.

Mutsuhito’s education was focused on classical Chinese literature, Confucianism, calligraphy, and court etiquette, reflecting the imperial standards of the time.

He was tutored by court scholars and received instruction in history, poetry, and governance, which prepared him for his eventual role as Emperor during one of the most transformative periods in Japanese history.

Career

The Meiji Emperor’s career was not in the traditional sense of a professional path but rather a reign that profoundly reshaped Japan. He ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1867 at 14, following his father’s death, Emperor Kōmei.

His reign officially began the following year with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, marking the end of over two centuries of Tokugawa shogunate rule and the restoration of imperial power.

Under his symbolic leadership, Japan transformed from a feudal society to a modern industrial nation. His era saw the abolition of the samurai class, the creation of a constitutional monarchy, the introduction of compulsory education, the modernization of the military, and the adoption of Western technologies and institutions.

In 1889, he promulgated the Meiji Constitution, establishing a framework for parliamentary government. Although the Meiji Emperor held mostly ceremonial power, his presence was vital in uniting the country and legitimizing reform. His reign, known as the Meiji Era, is remembered as a pivotal turning point that positioned Japan as a rising global power.

Personal Life

The Meiji Emperor married Empress Shōken, who became his official consort and a key figure during his reign. In addition to Empress Shōken, he had several concubines, customary for Japanese emperors of that era. There are no widely known records of romantic relationships outside his marriage and official consorts.

He fathered 15 children, though many died in infancy. Among his surviving children were Emperor Taishō, who succeeded him, and several daughters who married into noble families, including Princess Masako Takeda, Princess Nobuko Asaka, Princess Toshiko Higashikuni, and Princess Fusako Kitashirakawa. Regarding his height, the Meiji Emperor stood approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm), which was considered relatively tall for his time.

Net Worth

From 1867 to 1912, Emperor Meiji presided over significant transformation in Japan, transitioning from a feudal society to a modern industrial state. As the emperor, he had access to substantial imperial assets, including extensive landholdings, palaces, and investments.

However, precise details about his net worth are not well-documented, as the distinction between the emperor’s personal property and state assets was not clearly defined during his time.