Charter Oath

or Five Articles Oath

Oath issued in 1868 by Japan's Meiji emperor.

One article, important in spurring the creation of a new legislative body, promised that assemblies would be widely established and that all matters would be "decided by public discussion." Two articles promised an end to feudal class restrictions and "evil customs of the past," and another stated that all classes should work together to "carry out the plan of government." Lastly, it was declared that "knowledge shall be sought throughout the world to promote the welfare of the empire." The Charter Oath set the progressive tone of the Meiji period. See also Meiji Restoration.

* * *

▪ Japanese history

also called  Imperial Oath Of Five Articles,  Japanese  Gokajō No Goseimon,  

      in Japanese history, statement of principle promulgated on April 6, 1868, by the emperor Meiji after the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of direct participation in government by the imperial family. The Charter Oath opened the way for the modernization of the country and the introduction of a Western parliamentary constitution. The five articles of the Charter Oath were the following: (1) “Deliberative assemblies shall be established on an extensive scale, and all governmental matters shall be determined by public discussion.” (2) “All classes, high and low, shall unite to carry out vigorously the plan of government.” (3) “All classes shall be permitted to fulfill their just aspirations so that there will be no discontent.” (4) “Evil customs of the past shall be discontinued, and new customs shall be based on the just laws of nature.” (5) “Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world in order to promote the welfare of the empire.”

* * *