Japanese Factory Modernization from Meiji to Prewar (1870–1940)

1. Meiji government promotes “rich country, strong army” industry

   Jan 1, 1868Labels: Meiji government

   • Britannica

2. Tomioka Silk Mill begins as a model factory

   Jan 1, 1872Labels: Tomioka Silk

   • NDL France
   • Gov Japan

3. First National Industrial Exhibition showcases machines and goods

   Aug 21, 1877Labels: National Industrial

   • NDL Expo

4. Bank of Japan begins operations, supporting modern finance

   Oct 10, 1882Labels: Bank of

   • BOJ History

5. Tomioka Silk Mill sold to private management

   Jan 1, 1893Labels: Tomioka Silk

   • NDL France
   • Gov Japan

6. Imperial Steel Works at Yawata begins blast-furnace production

   Feb 5, 1901Labels: Yawata Steel

   • Meiji Sites
   • Yawata Wiki

7. Industrial Bank of Japan created for long-term industrial credit

   Jan 1, 1902Labels: Industrial Bank

   • Britannica

8. Railway Nationalization Act consolidates transport for industry

   Mar 31, 1906Labels: Railway Nationalization

   • NAJ via Wiki

9. South Manchuria Railway Company established as a “policy company”

   Nov 26, 1906Labels: South Manchuria

   • FRUS
   • SMR Wiki

10. Factory Act promulgated to regulate women and child labor

    Jan 1, 1911Labels: Factory Act

    • Factory Act JP

11. Factory Act comes into force, standardizing basic protections

    Jan 1, 1916Labels: Factory Act

    • Factory Act JP

12. Manchurian Industrial Development Company drives heavy industry planning

    Jan 1, 1937Labels: Manchurian Industrial

    • Mangy Wiki

13. State General Mobilization Law expands state control of factories

    Apr 1, 1938Labels: State General

    • Mobilization Wiki

14. Wartime mobilization tightens factory labor and production system

    Jan 1, 1940Labels: Wartime mobilization

    • Mobilization Wiki
    • Columbia Law