Abe Vows to Lead Japan into Future As Did Meiji People

October 23, 2018

Tokyo- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his eagerness Tuesday to lead Japan into the future by following in the footsteps of people who worked hard for the modernization of the country during the Meiji period.

"Following in Meiji people's footsteps, we'll open the way to the future without flinching from any hardship," Abe said in an address at a government-hosted ceremony to mark the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Meiji period, which ran through 1912.

During the era that started in 1868 with the restoration of the Emperor following the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Japan "took the first step toward a modern statehood," Abe stressed.

He also pointed out that "foundations of the current political, economic and social systems were laid" in the period, citing the creation of a constitution, progress in industrialization and introduction of a national education system.

"I hope that especially young people will become aware of events that happened for the modernization and learn various facets of those precious experiences," Abe said.

Attendants at the ceremony, held at the Parliamentary Museum in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, also included heads of both chambers of the Diet, the chief justice of the Supreme Court and lawmakers. Jiji Press