Meiji Emperor

Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by public discussion.

All common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall be allowed to pursue their own calling so that there may be no discontent.

The nation needs to advance and progress, and for this, foreign knowledge is essential.

Our country, by taking the path of civilization, must not forget its unique spirit.

The prosperity of the nation depends on the unity of its people.

Educate the children, for they are the future of the nation.

I desire to rule with the hearts of my people.

The military is the foundation of the state.

Be loyal to the Emperor, be filial to your parents, be affectionate to your brothers and sisters, be harmonious in your married life, be trustworthy to your friends, be modest and moderate in your conduct, extend your benevolence to all others, study learning and cultivate arts, and thereby develop intellectual faculties and perfect moral powers; furthermore, advance public good and promote common interests; always respect the Constitution and observe the laws; should emergency arise, offer yourselves courageously to the State; and thus guard and maintain the prosperity of Our Imperial Throne coeval with heaven and earth.

We must not fall behind the Western powers.

The spirit of Japan must be preserved, even as we adopt foreign technologies.

Our ancestors laid the foundation; it is our duty to build upon it.

The Imperial Household must be a model for the nation.

Do not be afraid to change, but remember your roots.

The people's welfare is the Emperor's greatest concern.

A strong economy is essential for a strong nation.

Justice and righteousness must always prevail.

The Emperor and the people are one.

Our duty is to make Japan a great power.

The strength of the nation lies in its spirit.