Meiji Jinju

During the Meiji Era (1868-1912) Japan flourished under the benign rule of Emperor Meiji, who promulgated the Meiji Constitution, promoted friendship with foreign countries, and developed the nation in every cultural field. It was one of the most glorious and prosperous period of all the Japanese history of more than 2,000 years. It was the period when the bases of modern Japan were built up. It was Emperor Meiji who, as the leader of this colourful early modern period of Japanese history, devoted himself wholeheartedly to increase the prosperity and peace of the nation and those of the world. Consequently, Emperor Meiji was regarded as a truly great Emperor not only by Japanese but also foreigners. Empress Shoken assisted the Emperor behind the scenes during this eventful and difficult Meiji Period, and was lauded as the model of the Modern Japanese Woman. The demise of the Emperor was on 30th July in 1912, and that of the Empress on 11th April in 1914. The wish of the Japanese nation to commemorate their illustrious lives generated a movement to create a shrine. The building was completed in 1920, but was lost by the fires during the World War II> The reconstruction of the present shrine building was completed in october 1958, being supported by all loyal Japanese both in Japan and abroad. (Text Taken from "Meiji Jinju" pamphlet. Published by Meiji Jingu Office, Yoyogi Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo. 2006)