Restoration leaders welded former feudal domains into a modem nation-state, established a centralized bureaucracy, enacted a new land tax system, and created a modern conscript army. Abolition of feudal classes and the establishment of universal education helped create a unified national polity. 1870 Telegraph line links Tokyo and Yokahama. Domains dissolved and prefectures established . Ibaraki Prefecture established.
Railroad begins operation between Tokyo and Yokohama.
1879 Part of the Ryukyu Islands incorporated into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture. 1879 First session of the prefectural assembly convened. 1885 First group of Japanese emigrants to Hawaii departs. The Municipal System is carried out. 1888 MITO CITY established.