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Drawing Up the Meiji Constitution: Popular Rights and Political Wrangling

  • Sakamoto Ryōma’s handwritten version of his eight-point proposal for a new government. (Courtesy the National Diet Library)

    Sakamoto Ryōma’s handwritten version of his eight-point proposal for a new government. (Courtesy the National Diet Library)

  • Politician Ōkuma Shigenobu favored a British-style constitution. (© Jiji)

    Politician Ōkuma Shigenobu favored a British-style constitution. (© Jiji)

  • Itō Hirobumi was Japan’s most powerful politician from 1881 onward. (© Jiji)

    Itō Hirobumi was Japan’s most powerful politician from 1881 onward. (© Jiji)

  • After some polishing, the Natsushima Draft Constitution was ultimately completed in March 1888. It is signed on the cover by Itō Hirobumi, who is said to have penciled notes on required editing during Privy Council meetings. (Courtesy the National Diet Library)

    After some polishing, the Natsushima Draft Constitution was ultimately completed in March 1888. It is signed on the cover by Itō Hirobumi, who is said to have penciled notes on required editing during Privy Council meetings. (Courtesy the National Diet Library)

  • A copy of the original Meiji Constitution. (© Kyōdō)

    A copy of the original Meiji Constitution. (© Kyōdō)

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