Inspired by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research forum on "Japan Since the Meiji Restoration," political scientist Ryota Murai reflects on the Japanese government's 1968 celebration of the Meiji centennial and finds in Eisaku Sato Cabinet's core message a yardstick for measuring Japan's recent and future progress.
This year, as Japan marks the sesquicentennial of the Meiji Restoration, I have had the occasion to compare and contrast this year's discussions and observances with those of 50 years ago, when the administration of Prime Minister Eisaku Sato celebrated the Meiji centennial with much pomp and circumstance. Here, I would like to share some of my observations.