Abolition of the Domains and the Meiji Reforms

Also called: Haihan chiken, Abolition of the han system

The Meiji government abolished the feudal domains and replaced them with prefectures, creating a centralised state, then drove modernization from above with the end of status distinctions, conscription, land-tax reform, a school system and state-led industry.

Having toppled the shogunate through the imperial restoration, the Meiji government had the daimyo return their lands and people to the emperor in 1869, and on 29 August 1871 abolished the domains altogether, replacing them with prefectures run by governors sent from the centre. The shogun-and-domain system was over and a centralised state stood in its place.

The government ended the four-class order of samurai, farmers, artisans and merchants, issued a national school system in 1872, created a conscript army in 1873, and stabilised its finances with a land-tax reform requiring 3 per cent of land value in cash. It laid railways and telegraphs, built state factories such as the Tomioka silk mill ("increase production, promote industry") and embraced Western ways ("civilisation and enlightenment"). The resentment of samurai stripped of their privileges erupted in the Satsuma Rebellion.