明治維新を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、明治維新に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 明治維新の時期と背景：
- 1868年に始まった日本の大規模な社会・政治改革
- 江戸時代（1603-1868）の終わりと近代日本の始まりを示す
- ペリー来航（1853年）：
- アメリカの軍艦が日本に来航し、開国を迫った出来事
- 日本が西洋の脅威を認識し、近代化の必要性を感じるきっかけとなった
- 主要な政策と概念：
- 富国強兵：国を豊かにし、軍を強くする政策
- 文明開化：西洋の文明を取り入れる政策
- 殖産興業：産業を発展させる政策
- 政治的変化：
- 大政奉還：徳川慶喜が政権を天皇に返上した
- 戊辰戦争：旧幕府勢力と新政府軍の間で起こった内戦
- 廃藩置県：藩を廃止し、中央集権的な県制度を導入
- 社会的変化：
- 身分制度の廃止：武士、農民、工人、商人の階級制度の撤廃
- 徴兵制の導入：一般市民も軍隊に入れるようになった
- 重要人物：
- 維新の三傑：西郷隆盛、大久保利通、木戸孝允
- 明治天皇：新しい政府の象徴となった
2人が明治維新について話しています。
明治維新の背景、大政奉還や戊辰戦争など主要な出来事、維新の三傑の役割、社会や政治の変化などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been reading a lot about the Meiji Restoration recently. It’s such a fascinating period in Japanese history!
Oh, definitely! It completely transformed Japan. What caught your attention the most about it?
Well, I was amazed by how fast everything changed. I mean, within just a few decades, Japan went from a feudal society under the Tokugawa shogunate to a modernized state with a centralized government. It’s like they fast-forwarded through centuries of development.
Exactly. The Meiji Restoration is often seen as a response to the challenges Japan faced from the West. After the Perry Expedition in the 1850s, Japan realized it needed to modernize quickly to avoid colonization.
Right! And that’s when they abolished the old class system, right? The samurai lost their special privileges, and all people became equal under the law.
Yes, that’s one of the most significant changes. The class system was completely dismantled. They introduced conscription, so instead of the samurai, ordinary people could join the new modern military. The government’s slogan at the time, Fukoku Kyōhei, was all about making the country rich and the military strong.
I remember that. They also introduced Western technology and industries, didn’t they? Factories, railways, schools… It was like a full-scale modernization. Wasn’t it also known as Bunmei Kaika?
Yes, exactly! Bunmei Kaika represented the opening up to Western ideas and culture. Education reform was huge. They built new schools, taught Western science, math, and even languages like English.
And what about the political side of things? I read that the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, handed power back to the Emperor. That was the Taisei Hōkan, right?
You’ve done your homework! Yes, the Taisei Hōkan took place at Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned power to the Emperor in 1867, hoping to still have some influence. But soon after, the new government took full control.
I also read about the Boshin War that followed. It seems like it was the final struggle between the old Tokugawa forces and the new government.
That’s right. The Boshin War lasted from 1868 to 1869, ending with the surrender of the Tokugawa forces and the full victory of the Meiji government. After that, Japan was united under the Emperor.
And speaking of the Emperor, didn’t he also help push through reforms that turned Japan into a modern state?
Yes. The Emperor became a symbol of unity and progress. Under the leadership of people like Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and Kido Takayoshi—the “Three Great Heroes”—the government abolished the old feudal domains and replaced them with prefectures. They also introduced modern industry through policies like Shokusan Kōgyō.
I really admire how Japan embraced change so quickly. In other countries, reforms often take centuries, but here, they managed it in just a few decades.
That’s one of the amazing things about the Meiji Restoration. Japan understood that rapid modernization was the key to survival in a world dominated by Western powers. And it worked—by the early 1900s, Japan was already a major power, having won wars against China and Russia.
It’s incredible. The whole process, from the Fukoku Kyōhei policy to the Westernization under Bunmei Kaika, shows how flexible and determined Japan was.
Absolutely. And now, Japan is one of the most developed nations in the world. The Meiji Restoration really laid the foundation for that success.
It’s inspiring. I’d love to visit places connected to the Meiji Restoration, like Nijo Castle, to see where these historic events happened.
That sounds like a great plan! Visiting historical sites would definitely give you more insight into this transformative period.
Thanks for the chat, Key. It really helped solidify what I’ve been learning!
Anytime, Mack! Keep exploring—you’re diving deep into an important part of history!
関連情報 / related information
「明治維新」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
明治維新
The Meiji Restoration
The Meiji Restoration started in 1868 and was a major turning point in Japanese history. Before the Restoration, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, which had kept the country closed to the outside world for over 200 years. However, in the 1850s, Western countries, especially the United States, pressured Japan to open its borders. This led to the end of the shogunate and the return of power to the Emperor.
Political Changes
One of the most important changes during the Meiji Restoration was the shift of power from the shogun to the Emperor. The last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned political control to Emperor Meiji in 1867. This event is known as the Taisei Hōkan. After this, Japan created a centralized government, abolishing the old feudal system.
Modernization
The new government began a program of modernization. Japan adopted Western technology, education, and military practices. Slogans like “Fukoku Kyōhei” (Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military) were used to promote industrialization and military growth. Schools, factories, and railways were built across the country to help Japan develop quickly.
The Impact
The Meiji Restoration was successful in transforming Japan into a modern nation. The feudal class system was abolished, and the country became unified. Within a few decades, Japan became strong enough to compete with Western powers, and by the early 20th century, it had established itself as a major global player.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「明治維新」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What was the Meiji Restoration?
The Meiji Restoration was a political revolution in 1868 that ended the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and restored power to the Emperor of Japan. It marked the beginning of Japan’s modernization.
2: Who were the key leaders of the Meiji Restoration?
The key leaders were Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and Kido Takayoshi. They are often called the “Three Great Heroes” of the Meiji Restoration for their role in changing Japan.
3: Why did the Tokugawa shogunate end?
The Tokugawa shogunate ended because Japan faced pressure from Western powers to open its borders and modernize. Many Japanese leaders realized that they needed to change the system to protect the country from colonization.
4: What was the Taisei Hōkan?
The Taisei Hōkan was the event in 1867 when the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned political power to the Emperor, signaling the end of the shogunate and the start of the Meiji government.
5: What were the major changes during the Meiji Restoration?
Major changes included the abolition of the feudal system, the creation of a centralized government, the introduction of Western technologies, and the modernization of the military and economy.
6: What does Fukoku Kyōhei mean?
Fukoku Kyōhei means “Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military.” It was one of the main slogans of the Meiji government to promote economic and military growth.
7: How did the class system change during the Meiji Restoration?
The class system was abolished, and everyone became equal under the law. The samurai class lost their privileges, and ordinary people could join the military and pursue education.
8: What was the Boshin War?
The Boshin War was a civil war between the forces of the Tokugawa shogunate and the new government. It lasted from 1868 to 1869 and ended with the victory of the Meiji government.
9: Why was Western technology important during the Meiji Restoration?
Western technology was important because it helped Japan modernize quickly. New factories, railways, and military technologies allowed Japan to become competitive with Western powers.
10: How did the Meiji Restoration impact Japan's international position?
The Meiji Restoration helped Japan strengthen its military and economy, making it strong enough to compete with Western countries. By the early 20th century, Japan became a major global power.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been reading a lot about the Meiji Restoration recently. It’s such a fascinating period in Japanese history!
キー、最近明治維新についてたくさん読んでいるんだ。本当に日本史の中でも興味深い時代だよね！
Oh, definitely! It completely transformed Japan. What caught your attention the most about it?
それは間違いないね！明治維新は日本を完全に変えたんだ。特に何が一番印象に残った？
Well, I was amazed by how fast everything changed. I mean, within just a few decades, Japan went from a feudal society under the Tokugawa shogunate to a modernized state with a centralized government.
うん、とにかく変化の速さに驚いたよ。数十年の間に、徳川幕府の封建社会から、中央集権の近代国家に変わったんだよね。
Exactly. The Meiji Restoration is often seen as a response to the challenges Japan faced from the West. After the Perry Expedition in the 1850s, Japan realized it needed to modernize quickly to avoid colonization.
その通り。明治維新は、西洋からの挑戦に対する日本の対応と見られているんだ。1850年代のペリー遠征の後、日本は植民地化を避けるために早急に近代化する必要があると気づいたんだよ。
Right! And that’s when they abolished the old class system, right? The samurai lost their special privileges, and all people became equal under the law.
そうだよね！それで旧来の身分制度が廃止されたんだよね？侍は特権を失って、全員が法の下で平等になったんだ。
Yes, that’s one of the most significant changes. The class system was completely dismantled. They introduced conscription, so instead of the samurai, ordinary people could join the new modern military.
そう、それが最も重要な変化の一つだよ。身分制度は完全に解体されたんだ。徴兵制が導入されて、侍の代わりに普通の人々が新しい近代的な軍隊に参加できるようになったんだ。
I remember that. They also introduced Western technology and industries, didn’t they? Factories, railways, schools… It was like a full-scale modernization. Wasn’t it also known as Bunmei Kaika?
そうだね。それに西洋の技術や産業も導入されたんだよね？工場や鉄道、学校なんかも…本格的な近代化だったよね。文明開化とも呼ばれてたよね？
Yes, exactly! Bunmei Kaika represented the opening up to Western ideas and culture. Education reform was huge. They built new schools, taught Western science, math, and even languages like English.
うん、そうだね！文明開化は西洋の思想や文化の受け入れを象徴しているんだ。教育改革も大きかったよ。新しい学校が建設されて、西洋の科学や数学、さらには英語なども教えられたんだ。
And what about the political side of things? I read that the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, handed power back to the Emperor. That was the Taisei Hōkan, right?
それで、政治的な面はどうだった？最後の将軍、徳川慶喜が天皇に政権を返上したって読んだんだけど。それが大政奉還だよね？
You’ve done your homework! Yes, the Taisei Hōkan took place at Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned power to the Emperor in 1867, hoping to still have some influence.
よく勉強してるね！そう、大政奉還は京都の二条城で行われたんだ。徳川慶喜は1867年に政権を天皇に返上したけど、まだ影響力を持ち続けたいと思っていたんだよ。
I also read about the Boshin War that followed. It seems like it was the final struggle between the old Tokugawa forces and the new government.
それに続く戊辰戦争についても読んだよ。それが、旧幕府軍と新政府軍の最後の戦いだったんだよね。
That’s right. The Boshin War lasted from 1868 to 1869, ending with the surrender of the Tokugawa forces and the full victory of the Meiji government.
その通りだね。戊辰戦争は1868年から1869年まで続いて、最終的には旧幕府軍が降伏して、明治政府が完全勝利を収めたんだ。
And speaking of the Emperor, didn’t he also help push through reforms that turned Japan into a modern state?
そういえば、天皇も日本を近代国家に変えるための改革を進めたんだよね？
Yes. The Emperor became a symbol of unity and progress. Under the leadership of people like Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and Kido Takayoshi—the “Three Great Heroes”—the government abolished the old feudal domains and replaced them with prefectures.
そうだね。天皇は統一と進歩の象徴になったんだ。西郷隆盛、大久保利通、木戸孝允といった「維新の三傑」のリーダーシップの下、政府は旧来の藩を廃止して、都道府県に置き換えたんだ。
I really admire how Japan embraced change so quickly. In other countries, reforms often take centuries, but here, they managed it in just a few decades.
日本がこんなにも早く変化を受け入れたのには本当に感心するよ。他の国では改革に何世紀もかかることが多いけど、日本ではわずか数十年で実現したんだよね。
That’s one of the amazing things about the Meiji Restoration. Japan understood that rapid modernization was the key to survival in a world dominated by Western powers.
それが明治維新のすごいところの一つなんだ。日本は、西洋列強が支配する世界で生き残るためには、迅速な近代化が鍵だと理解していたんだよ。
It’s incredible. The whole process, from the Fukoku Kyōhei policy to the Westernization under Bunmei Kaika, shows how flexible and determined Japan was.
本当にすごいよね。富国強兵の政策から、文明開化の西洋化まで、いかに日本が柔軟で決意を持っていたかがわかるよ。
Absolutely. And now, Japan is one of the most developed nations in the world. The Meiji Restoration really laid the foundation for that success.
その通りだね。今では日本は世界で最も発展した国の一つだし、明治維新がその成功の基盤を築いたんだよ。
It’s inspiring. I’d love to visit places connected to the Meiji Restoration, like Nijo Castle, to see where these historic events happened.
感動的だよ。明治維新に関係する場所、例えば二条城なんかに行って、こういった歴史的な出来事が起きた場所を見てみたいな。
That sounds like a great plan! Visiting historical sites would definitely give you more insight into this transformative period.
それはいい考えだね！歴史的な場所を訪れることで、この変革の時代についてもっと深く理解できるはずだよ。
Thanks for the chat, Key. It really helped solidify what I’ve been learning!
話してくれてありがとう、キー。今回の会話で、学んできたことがより確かなものになったよ！
Anytime, Mack! Keep exploring—you’re diving deep into an important part of history!
いつでもどうぞ、マック！このまま探求を続けてね。君は本当に重要な歴史の一部に深く入り込んでいるんだから！
関連情報 / related information
明治維新
The Meiji Restoration
The Meiji Restoration started in 1868 and was a major turning point in Japanese history. Before the Restoration, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, which had kept the country closed to the outside world for over 200 years. However, in the 1850s, Western countries, especially the United States, pressured Japan to open its borders. This led to the end of the shogunate and the return of power to the Emperor.
明治維新は1868年に始まり、日本の歴史における重要な転換点となりました。維新前の日本は徳川幕府によって統治され、200年以上も鎖国状態を保っていました。しかし、1850年代に西洋諸国、特にアメリカが日本に開国を迫り、それが幕府の終わりと天皇への政権返上に繋がりました。
Political Changes
One of the most important changes during the Meiji Restoration was the shift of power from the shogun to the Emperor. The last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned political control to Emperor Meiji in 1867. This event is known as the Taisei Hōkan. After this, Japan created a centralized government, abolishing the old feudal system.
明治維新で最も重要な変化の一つは、将軍から天皇への政権移譲です。最後の将軍、徳川慶喜は1867年に政権を明治天皇に返上しました。この出来事は「大政奉還」として知られています。その後、日本は中央集権的な政府を築き、旧封建制度を廃止しました。
Modernization
The new government began a program of modernization. Japan adopted Western technology, education, and military practices. Slogans like “Fukoku Kyōhei” (Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military) were used to promote industrialization and military growth. Schools, factories, and railways were built across the country to help Japan develop quickly.
新政府は近代化を推進し始めました。日本は西洋の技術、教育、軍事制度を取り入れました。「富国強兵」（国を豊かにし、兵力を強くする）などのスローガンが使われ、産業化と軍事強化が進められました。日本全国に学校、工場、鉄道が建設され、急速な発展を助けました。
The Impact
The Meiji Restoration was successful in transforming Japan into a modern nation. The feudal class system was abolished, and the country became unified. Within a few decades, Japan became strong enough to compete with Western powers, and by the early 20th century, it had established itself as a major global player.
明治維新は日本を近代国家へと変えることに成功しました。封建的な身分制度は廃止され、国が統一されました。数十年のうちに、日本は西洋列強と競い合うほどの力を持ち、20世紀初頭には主要な国際的プレーヤーとしての地位を確立しました。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What was the Meiji Restoration?
明治維新とは何ですか？
The Meiji Restoration was a political revolution in 1868 that ended the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and restored power to the Emperor of Japan. It marked the beginning of Japan’s modernization.
明治維新は、1868年に起こった政治革命で、徳川幕府の統治を終わらせ、天皇に権力を戻しました。これにより、日本の近代化が始まりました。
2: Who were the key leaders of the Meiji Restoration?
明治維新の主要な指導者は誰ですか？
The key leaders were Saigo Takamori, Okubo Toshimichi, and Kido Takayoshi. They are often called the “Three Great Heroes” of the Meiji Restoration for their role in changing Japan.
主要な指導者は、西郷隆盛、大久保利通、木戸孝允でした。彼らは、日本を変革した功績から「維新の三傑」と呼ばれています。
3: Why did the Tokugawa shogunate end?
なぜ徳川幕府は終わったのですか？
The Tokugawa shogunate ended because Japan faced pressure from Western powers to open its borders and modernize. Many Japanese leaders realized that they needed to change the system to protect the country from colonization.
日本は西洋列強から開国と近代化の圧力を受けていたため、徳川幕府は終わりました。多くの日本の指導者は、植民地化を避けるために体制を変える必要があると認識しました。
4: What was the Taisei Hōkan?
大政奉還とは何ですか？
The Taisei Hōkan was the event in 1867 when the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned political power to the Emperor, signaling the end of the shogunate and the start of the Meiji government.
大政奉還は、1867年に最後の将軍である徳川慶喜が政治の権力を天皇に返上し、幕府の終わりと明治政府の始まりを告げた出来事です。
5: What were the major changes during the Meiji Restoration?
明治維新での主な変化は何ですか？
Major changes included the abolition of the feudal system, the creation of a centralized government, the introduction of Western technologies, and the modernization of the military and economy.
主な変化には、封建制度の廃止、中央集権政府の設立、西洋技術の導入、そして軍事と経済の近代化が含まれます。
6: What does Fukoku Kyōhei mean?
富国強兵とはどういう意味ですか？
Fukoku Kyōhei means “Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military.” It was one of the main slogans of the Meiji government to promote economic and military growth.
富国強兵は「国を豊かにし、軍事を強化する」という意味です。これは明治政府の経済成長と軍事強化を促進するための主要なスローガンの一つでした。
7: How did the class system change during the Meiji Restoration?
明治維新の間に身分制度はどのように変わりましたか？
The class system was abolished, and everyone became equal under the law. The samurai class lost their privileges, and ordinary people could join the military and pursue education.
身分制度は廃止され、すべての人が法の下で平等になりました。侍階級は特権を失い、一般の人々も軍隊に参加したり教育を受けたりできるようになりました。
8: What was the Boshin War?
戊辰戦争とは何ですか？
The Boshin War was a civil war between the forces of the Tokugawa shogunate and the new government. It lasted from 1868 to 1869 and ended with the victory of the Meiji government.
戊辰戦争は、徳川幕府の軍と新政府軍との間で行われた内戦です。1868年から1869年にかけて続き、明治政府の勝利で終結しました。
9: Why was Western technology important during the Meiji Restoration?
明治維新の間に西洋技術が重要だったのはなぜですか？
Western technology was important because it helped Japan modernize quickly. New factories, railways, and military technologies allowed Japan to become competitive with Western powers.
西洋技術は、日本の迅速な近代化を助けたため重要でした。新しい工場、鉄道、軍事技術により、日本は西洋列強と競争できるようになりました。
10: How did the Meiji Restoration impact Japan's international position?
明治維新は日本の国際的な地位にどのような影響を与えましたか？
The Meiji Restoration helped Japan strengthen its military and economy, making it strong enough to compete with Western countries. By the early 20th century, Japan became a major global power.
明治維新は日本の軍事力と経済力を強化し、国際的に西洋諸国と競えるほどの強さを持つようになりました。20世紀初頭には、日本は主要な国際的強国となりました。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
modernize : 動詞
意味: 近代化する。To bring up to date by adopting new methods or ideas.
（日本が西洋の技術を取り入れて、急速に近代国家に変わるプロセスを指す）
例文：
- Japan needed to modernize to compete with Western countries.
「日本は西洋諸国と競うために近代化する必要がありました。」 - The company decided to modernize its old building.
「会社は古い建物を近代化することを決めました。」 - They plan to modernize the education system.
「彼らは教育制度を近代化する予定です。」
colonization : 名詞
意味: 植民地化。The process of establishing control over a foreign land and its people.
（日本が西洋列強の植民地化を避けるために近代化を急いだことを指す）
例文：
- Japan feared colonization by Western powers.
「日本は西洋列強による植民地化を恐れていました。」 - The colonization of America began in the 16th century.
「アメリカの植民地化は16世紀に始まりました。」 - Many countries suffered under colonization for centuries.
「多くの国々は何世紀もの間、植民地支配に苦しみました。」
privilege : 名詞
意味: 特権。A special right or advantage granted to a particular person or group.
（明治維新によって、侍の特権が廃止されたことを指す）
例文：
- The samurai lost their privilege during the Meiji Restoration.
「侍は明治維新で特権を失いました。」 - Access to good education should not be a privilege, but a right.
「良い教育を受けることは特権ではなく、権利であるべきです。」 - It was a privilege to meet the president.
「大統領に会うことができたのは特権でした。」
dismantle : 動詞
意味: 解体する、分解する。To take apart or destroy the structure of something.
（明治維新で封建制度が解体されたことを指す）
例文：
- The new government decided to dismantle the feudal system.
「新政府は封建制度を解体することを決定しました。」 - They plan to dismantle the old factory.
「彼らは古い工場を解体する予定です。」 - The mechanic had to dismantle the engine to fix it.
「整備士はエンジンを修理するために分解しなければなりませんでした。」
conscription : 名詞
意味: 徴兵。The compulsory enlistment of people into the military.
（明治維新で導入された徴兵制を指す）
例文：
- The new government introduced conscription after the Meiji Restoration.
「新政府は明治維新後に徴兵制を導入しました。」 - Many young men were called to military service through conscription.
「多くの若者が徴兵制によって軍務に呼ばれました。」 - Conscription was a common practice during the world wars.
「徴兵制は世界大戦中に一般的な慣行でした。」