Emperor Meiji was the 122nd emperor of Japan consistent with the customary order of succession, reigning from 3 February 1867 until his death. The reason why the story of him sparked interest in me is because one of my colleagues said that a Japanese emperor had a similar name when he asked for mine. I was pretty sure it wasn’t “Mei Jin” as he suggested, and was quite sure it was “Meiji”, nonetheless I Googled him and read his story.
Very interesting but tragic family history I’d say. All five of the emperor’s brothers and sisters died very soon after birth, and only five of fifteen of his own children reached adulthood. Two of his concubines died in childbirth, and his empress was unable to bear children. Only one of his five children who survived was male (Emperor Taishō, needless to say he succeeded Emperor Meiji). Emperor Taishō was born weak though. His development in learning was not quick due to frequent fevers and poor health however he did stand out in languages.
I wonder if they would have allowed a lady to take over the throne at that time if there were no male heir. Japan did have nine empresses though, but only nine in its entire history (more than a hundred emperors in history). However one of them were removed from the certified record because she is believed to be a myth.
And did you know about posthumous names? They are names given to the royalty/nobles after they are dead. Regularly used in countries such as Korea, Vietnam, China, and Japan – posthumous names can be either praises or depreciation. Depreciation doesn’t seem so appropriate after someone is dead, don’t you think?
In Japan, people do not refer to their emperor by his given name as they consider it disrespectful. So they have a different name and boy, are they a handful! Very interesting reading about history and people, yes? I really do enjoy history. If only I could make a living out of it (a lavish living, heh).
P/S: Have you heard about the taboo against naming the dead? In certain areas in some countries, the people are not allowed to say the dead person’s name or anything that sounds similar to it – for a certain period. For example, among the Kaurna and Ramindjeri tribes of South Australia, the abhorrence to uttering the names of those who have passed on recently is carried so far that persons who bear the same name as the deceased desert it, and either take on provisional names or any other name that happen to belong to them (like a middle name).
Another example: among the Goajiro of Colombia, to discuss about the dead before their relatives is a horrible wrongdoing, and is often penalised with death. Family members sometimes would kill the offender themselves if given the chance. But if they escape, the penalty resolves itself into a heavy fine, usually of two or more oxen.
Quite unbelievable ey?
Next, I’m gonna read up on the emperors of China 
