Emperor Meiji of Japan, who reigned from 1867 to 1912, died on July 30, 1912, aged 59. He was born in Tokyo, the eldest son of Emperor Komei and Lady Sachiko Ichijo. Emperor Meiji led a great modernisation of Japan in the latter part of the 19th century and was responsible for many of the reforms that saw the country become a world power. During his reign, Japan adopted a formal constitution and became one of the world's leading industrialised nations. His reign was the longest of any emperor of Japan and he was highly esteemed by the people. He was devoted to his country and his people and his death was met with great sorrow. Emperor Meiji had a profound and lasting impact on modern Japanese society. He will be remembered for his leadership and contribution to the development and modernisation of Japan in the 19th century.