Mutsuhito

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A historical figure known for modernizing Japan during the Meiji era, overseeing significant social and political reforms
2. The emperor who reigned from 1867 to 1912, symbolizing the transition from feudalism to a more industrialized society
3. A pivotal leader in Japanese history whose reign marked a profound transformation in Japan's economy and international standing

Etymology: Mutsuhito was the personal name of the Meiji Emperor of Japan, and it was chosen by the Japanese court itself, as the sovereign's name had to be used only after death. The name combines two characters, "mutsu" (睦, harmony or amity) and "hito" (仁, benevolence). Because Japanese emperors were known posthumously by the era name they reigned under, Mutsuhito was called "Meiji" ("enlightened rule") during his lifetime and afterwards, and his personal name was rarely used in public. Whether it was really his name that was used is a different matter: the personal name was a closely guarded secret, and until the modern period ordinary people were not supposed to write or say it. Its use in English texts is therefore largely a convenience for historians who need to distinguish him from his successors.

Synonyms: Emperor Meiji, Meiji Tenno, Meiji Emperor