Meiji Constitution takes effect and first Imperial Diet convenes
- When
- 1890
- Where
- Tokyo, Japan
- Episodes
- 2
The Meiji Constitution, promulgated in 1889, entered into force on November 29, 1890, coinciding with the first convening of the Imperial Diet in Tokyo. This event established a mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy, reflecting Prussian and British influences. The Diet's structure included a House of Representatives and a House of Peers, while sovereignty remained vested in the Emperor.
Episodes
- Constitution Enters Force
The Meiji Constitution, promulgated in 1889, officially entered into force on November 29, 1890, establishing the legal framework for the Empire of Japan.
- First Imperial Diet Convenes
The first National Diet of Japan convened on the same day the Meiji Constitution took effect, marking the start of representative assembly.
Background and detail
Background. Prior to the Meiji Constitution, Japan lacked a written constitution, operating under the Tokugawa shogunate or earlier Chinese-inspired systems. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 restored imperial power, leading to reforms aimed at westernization. Itō Hirobumi chaired a bureau to research constitutional forms, leading to a draft based on Prussian and British models. The final version was submitted to Emperor Meiji in 1888, following secret drafting without public debate.
Constitutional Structure. The Meiji Constitution established a mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy, primarily based on German models. Sovereignty resided in the Emperor, who was the head of state and commander-in-chief. The Prime Minister and Cabinet answered to the Emperor, not the Diet. The Privy Council advised the Emperor, and the Meiji oligarchy retained veto power over cabinet selection, limiting the executive branch's powers.
Imperial Diet. The Imperial Diet, Japan's first modern legislature, convened on November 29, 1890, when the constitution took effect. Its structure reflected Prussian and British influences, featuring a House of Representatives and a House of Peers. The first session was marked by controversy and political tensions. The Diet's organization included a formal Speech from the Throne delivered by the Emperor on Opening Day.
People involved
- Itō Hirobumi · Chair of government bureau for constitutional research
- Emperor Meiji · Promulgator of the Constitution and Head of State
Sources
- Meiji Constitution Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-25
- National Diet Wikipedia, revision of 2026-10-04
Machine-drafted from the cited Wikipedia passages and checked by a reviewing model, not by a human editor. Every passage cites the revision it was written from; dates and places follow those passages.