Why were public parks encouraged in Japan after 1873?

The establishment of public parks in Japan was especially encouraged throughout the country starting in 1873. While the concept of public grounds existed even during feudal times, this push for public parks followed the Meiji Restoration of 1868, a period marked by Japan's rapid modernization and its efforts to adopt Western industrial and cultural standards.12

Although many celebrated traditional gardens were lost to neglect or sacrificed to the demands of modern progress during this era of change, the formalization of public parks helped preserve green spaces for the population. These parks served as vital areas for recreation and, as demonstrated later by the great earthquake and fire of 1923, provided essential safety and refuge for tens of thousands of city dwellers.1