The Meiji government refers to the political regime in Japan from 1868 to 1912, during the reign of Emperor Meiji. This period marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of Japan's modernization and industrialization. The government implemented significant reforms in various sectors, including education, military, and infrastructure, aiming to strengthen Japan and make it competitive with Western powers. Under the Meiji government, Japan adopted a constitutional monarchy, establishing the Meiji Constitution in 1889. This constitution created a bicameral legislature called the Imperial Diet, which allowed for limited political participation. The era is characterized by rapid economic growth, the establishment of a modern military, and the expansion of Japan's influence in Asia.