The first emperor of unified Japan was Emperor Meiji, who reigned from 1867 to 1912. His ascension marked a significant transformation in Japanese society known as the Meiji Restoration. This period was characterized by the modernization and industrialization of Japan, shifting it from a feudal society to a modern nation-state. The Meiji government implemented sweeping reforms in education, military, government structure, and infrastructure, seeking to strengthen Japan against Western imperialism. The Meiji era is credited with establishing Japan as a major world power, leading to its emergence as a player on the international stage by the early 20th century.