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Why did the Meiji government replace the han domains with prefectures?

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Bronze statue of samurai Saigo Takamori standing with his dog on a stone pedestal in Ueno Park, Tokyo, with yellow autumn trees in the background. — Saigō Takamori Saigo Takamori, statue in Tokyo.

The Meiji government replaced the han (feudal domains) with a system of prefectures as part of a broader effort to dismantle the old feudal regime and centralize political power. Under the previous bakuhan system, the han operated with significant autonomy, maintaining their own military forces and economic systems, which hindered national unity.12

Following the 1868 restoration of imperial rule, the new leadership—motivated by the need to modernize Japan to resist Western encroachment—sought to create a unified nation-state. The abolition of the han in 1871 was considered a vital and daring step in this process. By replacing these autonomous domains with centrally administered prefectures, the government was able to:13

Consolidate Authority: Eliminate the regional power of the daimyo and establish direct imperial control over the entire country.14
Ensure Military Security: With the creation of a reliable national military force, such as the Imperial Guard, the government could disband han troops and eliminate potential military opposition to its reforms.3
Implement National Reforms: Facilitate the standardization of tax, monetary, and educational systems across Japan.15

This administrative reorganization was essential for Japan's transition into a modern, industrialized power.1