Sonno Joi is a historical movement that emerged in Japan during the late Edo period, advocating for the expulsion of foreign influence and the restoration of imperial rule. The phrase translates to "Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians," reflecting the desire to strengthen Japan's sovereignty and cultural identity in the face of Western encroachment. The movement gained momentum in the 1850s, leading to significant political changes, including the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the rise of the Meiji Restoration. This period marked Japan's transition from feudalism to a modern state, ultimately influencing its rapid industrialization and emergence as a global power.