The Meiji period represents the 45 years, when Japan was under the leadership of Meiji Emperor, starting from October 1868 July to 1912. This era means a period of Enlightened Rule. Meiji Emperor was the 122 nd Emperor of Japan, having taken over from his father, Emperor Komei, upon his death. The Government during Meiji reign had to embrace Nationalism as the vehicle toward Japan modernization. Meiji Nationalism was closely linked with foreign affairs, it was centered on the Emperor model and had official patronage from the government. A key element in Japan Nationalism was the concerted effort by the government to re-invented tradition to rally people behind the cause of modernization. A good example was the promotion of Shintoism, being a traditional religious practice; the government manipulated it to serve its purpose. Shinto studies emphasized the spiritual and divine origin of the Japanese Emperor. Due to this divine origin, Japanese were expected to entrust the leadership of Japan to the Emperor. Shintoism, in general, was characterized by religious commitment, the superiority of Japanese race, and a faith in divine duties. More than 190,000 Shinto shrines were merged and one central shrine was established, this was to strengthen government administration and control in those villages. The Meiji leadership declared Shintoism as a State religion and this became part of Japan constitution, indicating that Japan was to be governed by a line of unbroken emperors. This Emperor-based nationalism was implanted successfully in the mind of all Japanese, including the ruling class, who used it to advance their interest. Official Patronage was another factor that led to the successful growth of Meiji Nationalism. The Meiji Government undertook various strategies to mold the Japanese attitude. Schools were used as the main venues to advocate for loyalty to the emperor. The emperor was the main focus as a symbol of national unity. A better sense of Nationalism was aroused through the education system. The State made it clear to all Japanese that education was subsidiary to the service of the Emperor and state. The military training and mobilization of law ensured that loyalty and patriotism were passed to all adults. The traditional Japanese spirit, the sense of belonging, came to the people, and cultural heritages were revived and a renewed Japanese identity was cultivated. Foreign affairs had a direct relationship with the upsurge of Meiji Nationalism. The infiltration of the west into Japanese territory, unequal treaties, and failed attempt to review the treaties with the west made the Japanese feel at a loss. Their sense of pride was injured by the western countries making the Japanese feel inadequate as far as power and politics were concerned. The Black Ocean society, Genyosha, and the Black Dragon Society, Kokuryukai, led in advocating for the expansion of Japan’s border. These events led to war pitting Japan against China in 1894. Japan’s victory meant a lot as most of the unequal treaties were revised in favor of Japan. The government’s popularity rose and the subsequent recognition of Japan as a power to reckon with. Both the 1894 war with China and the 1