Men as Soldiers 1873
Modern nations required standing armies comprising their citizens. Under the slogan “Fukoku Kyōhei” (“Rich Country, Strong Army”), modern Japan issued the conscription Announcement (1872) and the Imperial Rescript to soldiers and sailors (1882), both demanding absolute obedience to the Emperor. After the issuance of the Draft Ordinance in 1873, all male citizens who had reached 20 years of age were ordered to undergo conscription tests, and those who passed the tests were drafted. In this way, the universal military service system was established, under which military service became a duty for virtually all male citizens.
The Conscription System and Fukoku Kyou-hei
Men as Soldiers eighteen seventy-three
Modern nations required standing armies comprising their citizens. Under the slogan “Fukoku Kyou-hei” (“Rich Country, Strong Army”), modern Japan issued the conscription Announcement (eighteen seventy-two) and the Imperial Rescript to soldiers and sailors (eighteen eighty-two), both demanding absolute obedience to the Emperor. After the issuance of the Draft Ordinance in eighteen seventy-three, all male citizens who had reached 20 years of age were ordered to undergo conscription tests, and those who passed the tests were drafted. In this way, the universal military service system was established, under which military service became a duty for virtually all male citizens.
