Abstract: The change of calendar system is one of the landmark events in Japan’s implementation of the Civilization and Enlightenment policy during the Meiji Restoration. Previously, the old calendar system consisted of two stages — the use of Chinese calendar and the use of Japanese calendar. This old calendar system was deeply influenced by Chinese calendar system and had been used for approximately 1,300 years. Japan’s change of calendar system occurred alongside with Japan’s intention of integrating into the western world after the Meiji Restoration. It also appeared to be one bold attempt with the aim to overcome fiscal difficulty. As a result, it not only saved government expenses, but also elevated the reputation of the new Meiji government. However, this cursory act of calendar reform overlooked traditions and paid a high price for the sudden “departure from Asia for Europe”. The examination of the calendar reform 145 years ago is of great significance for the evaluation of the success and failure of the Meiji Restoration.

Key words: Chinese calendar, Civilization and Enlightenment, Meiji Calendar Reform, Okuma Shigenobu, “Departure from Asia for Europe”