Born: 3 November 1852 · Died: 29 July 1912 · Age at death: 59
How old was Emperor Meiji when he died?
Emperor Meiji died aged 59. He was born on 3 November 1852 and died on 29 July 1912.
Emperor who oversaw the rapid modernisation and industrialisation of Japan
Did you know?During his reign, he transformed the nation from a secluded feudal society into one of the world's great imperial powers.
Quick facts
Date of birth3 November 1852
Date of death29 July 1912
Age at death59
Cause of deathDiabetes, uremia
NationalityJapanese
BirthplaceSite of the Nakayama Residence, Japan
Occupationmonarch, aristocrat
Editor's Take:
Mutsuhito came to the throne as a teenager. Within a year, rebel samurai ended the Tokugawa shogunate in his name. He moved the court from Kyoto to Tokyo. During his reign Japan built railways, factories, schools and a modern army. Ministers led most of the changes, but he became their symbol. Japan defeated China and then Russia in war. When he died, Japan was a world power.
Key Milestones
1868: Meiji Restoration begins
1889: Proclaims the Meiji Constitution
1905: Japan defeats Russia
Emperor Meiji (3 November 1852 – 29 July 1912), personal name Mutsuhito, was Emperor of Japan from 30 January 1867 until his death in 1912. The Meiji Restoration proclaimed the Empire of Japan in 1868, beginning the Meiji era.
