Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale

Journal | Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale
Monographic journal issue | Supplemento 59 | 2023
Research Article | Nation-Building Through Imperial Images

Nation-Building Through Imperial Images

Fragility and Charisma of Emperor Meiji’s Public Persona

Abstract

This article explores the complex construction of Emperor Meiji’s public image, from a calculated fragility that promoted national unity to the projection of modern imperial charisma. It examines the extensive Meiji period regime of censorship of imperial representations in various forms, such as portraits, photographs, statues, and currency. The fact that the Emperor was forbidden to compose love poetry and the highly selective publication of his poems during his lifetime likewise emphasises the state’s control over the imperial persona and paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted image-crafting efforts surrounding Emperor Meiji.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Nov. 24, 2022 | Accepted: May 9, 2023 | Published Dec. 1, 2023 | Language: en

Keywords Meiji RestorationFragilityTheatre of powerImperial tabooPublic sympathy


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