Question

The Charter Oath was issued just months after the Meiji Restoration brought an end to the Tokugawa Shogunate and installed a new Japanese government. Issued under the name of the Emperor Meiji, the text was written by a group of young samurai who had helped “restore” imperial rule. The Charter Oath appeared at a time of uncertainty in Japanese society, as people throughout the country were unsure of the intentions and priorities of the new regime governing Japan.

The Charter Oath, 1868

By this oath we set up as our aim the establishment of the national weal [well-being or welfare of a country] on a broad basis and framing of a constitution and laws.
Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by public discussion.
All classes, high and low, shall unite in vigorously carrying out the administration of affairs of state.
The common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall each be allowed to pursue his own calling so that there may be no discontent.
Evil customs of the past shall be broken off and everything based upon the just laws of Nature.
Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule.

Source: Charter Oath (Of the Meiji Restoration), 1861 from Asia for Educators, Columbia University.

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