- Proclaimed to the Japanese people by Emperor Meiji on February 11, 1890.
- A promise from Emperor Meiji to the people of Japan to establish a constitutional monarchy and a representative government after the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
- Outlined the basic principles of the new constitution and the Meiji government.
Key Points:
- Sovereignty of the Emperor:
- The Emperor is the head of state and the symbol of national unity.
- He holds the supreme power over the state, but exercises it in accordance with the Constitution and the laws.
Constitutional Government:
- The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and the government must comply with its provisions.
- Fundamental rights and freedoms of the people, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, are guaranteed by the Constitution.
- The government must respect and uphold these rights.
Separation of Powers:
- The powers of the government are divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial.
- The legislative branch (the Diet) is composed of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, and it is responsible for making laws.
- The executive branch (the Cabinet) is headed by the Prime Minister, and it is responsible for administering the laws and carrying out government policies.
- The judicial branch (the courts) is composed of the Supreme Court and lower courts, and it is responsible for interpreting and applying the laws.
Rule of Law:
- The government and all citizens are subject to the law, and no one is above the law.
- The courts are independent and impartial, and they must uphold the rule of law.
National Unity:
- The government must promote national unity and harmony among the people.
- Discrimination based on race, religion, social status, or wealth is prohibited.
- All citizens are equal before the law and entitled to equal rights.
International Peace:
- Japan will strive for peace and cooperation with other nations, and will not engage in war unless necessary to defend the country.
Adoption of Western Political Systems:
- Japan will adopt Western political systems and institutions, such as a constitutional monarchy and a representative government, in order to modernize and strengthen the nation.
Impact:
- The Ohito Declarations laid the foundation for the Meiji Constitution, which was promulgated in 1889 and established Japan as a constitutional monarchy with a representative government.
- It marked a significant turning point in Japanese history, as it shifted the country from an absolute monarchy to a modern constitutional state.
- The declarations had a profound impact on the development of Japanese politics and society, and continue to influence the country's constitutional system and democratic institutions today.