Death of Emperor Kōmei and accession of Emperor Meiji amid shogunal collapse

Background. Emperor Kōmei, the 121st emperor, reigned from 1846 through 1867. His sudden death in January 1867 from smallpox complications left his teenage son, Mutsuhito, to ascend the throne. The political context included the appointment of Tokugawa Yoshinobu as shogun in 1866, who later sought to maintain influence while renouncing administrative functions.

Imperial Succession. Emperor Kōmei died on 30 January 1867. Mutsuhito, who had continued his classical education, became Emperor Meiji. The formal ascension ceremony occurred in Kyoto in February 1867. The era name was later changed to Meiji in October 1868, reflecting the new political order established after the shogunate's collapse.

Shogunal Resignation. Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun, resigned his position in late 1867. On 9 November 1867, he tendered his resignation to the Emperor, formally stepping down ten days later. This act returned governing power to the Emperor, though Yoshinobu aimed to keep some political influence, setting the stage for the subsequent restoration of imperial rule.