Meiji Restoration - Charter Oath

I was surprised when I read this Oath in English recently (almost all Japanese studied this at school but in Japanese). When considering the time of issue 1868 and the place (an Asian nation) and this was issued by the government, the content was revolutionary.

The Charter Oath (五箇条の御誓文 Gokajō no Goseimon, more literally, the Oath in Five Articles) was promulgated at the enthronement of Emperor Meiji of Japan on 7 April 1868. The Oath outlined the main aims and the course of action to be followed during Emperor Meiji's reign, setting the legal stage for Japan's modernization. This also set up a process of urbanization as people of all classes were free to move jobs so people went to the city for better work. It remained influential, if less for governing than inspiring, throughout the Meiji era and into the twentieth century, and can be considered the first constitution of modern Japan.


As the name implies, the text of the Oath consists of five clauses:
By this oath, we set up as our aim the establishment of the national wealth on a broad basis and the framing of a constitution and laws.

1. Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by open discussion.
2. All classes, high and low, shall be united in vigorously carrying out the administration of affairs of state.
3. The common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall all be allowed to pursue their own calling so that there may be no discontent.
4. Evil customs of the past shall be broken off and everything based upon the just laws of Nature.
5. Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundation of imperial rule.

<sup>From Wiki (28-04-2012)

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Another English version</sup>

1. An assembly widely convoked shall be established, and all matters of state shall be decided by public discussion.

2. All classes high and low shall unite in vigorously promoting the economy and welfare of the nation.

3. All civil and military officials and the common people as well shall be allowed to fulfill their aspirations so that there may be no discontent among them.

4. Base customs of former times shall be abandoned, and all actions shall conform to the principles of international justice.

5. Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world, and thus shall be strengthened the foundation of the imperial polity.

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sptt