The period in Japan's history in the late 19th century when imperial rule was restored was known as the

The period in the late 19th century that restored Imperial Rule in Japan is known as the Meiji Restoration this happened in 1868. Although Emperor Meiji was not the first Imperial rule of Japan his ascension to the throne clearly placed political power under the protection of the Emperor. This period lasted from 1868 until 1912 and led to the modernization of Japan and laid the groundwork for the modern Japanese state of today.