The arrival of Western civilization in Japan and the period of civilization and enlightenment (from 1868)

After the opening of Japan and the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the succeeding Meiji government aggressively adopted Western culture and civilization. This greatly changed the lives of the people of Japan. The solar calendar (Gregorian calendar) was adopted in place of the lunar calendar, top-knot hairstyles worn by men were abolished, and lamps and gas lamps took the place of candles and other forms of lighting. Palanquins were replaced by rickshaws and carriages. Western restaurants and those serving beef appeared.