Emperor Meiji, also known as Mutsuhito, reigned from 1867 to 1912 and was a pivotal figure in Japan's transformation into a modern state. His era, known as the Meiji Restoration, marked the end of feudalism and the beginning of rapid industrialization and Westernization in Japan. Under Emperor Meiji's leadership, Japan adopted various Western technologies and governmental structures, leading to significant social and economic changes. This period saw Japan emerge as a major world power, culminating in victories in conflicts such as the Russo-Japanese War and establishing itself on the global stage.