Meiji Constitution Promulgated

On February 11, 1889, Emperor Meiji promulgated Japan's first modern constitution, titled 'The Constitution of the Empire of Japan.' Itō Hirobumi crafted the document after studying European constitutional models, particularly Prussia's. The constitution established a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament called the Imperial Diet, granted the emperor significant powers as head of state, and provided for limited civil liberties and an independent judiciary. It remained in effect until 1947, when Allied occupation authorities replaced it following World War II.