This curriculum unit focuses on the Meiji period (1868-1912), a pivotal period in Japanese and world history. Each lesson in this unit uses art, literature, primary sources, or a combination to help students understand Japan's emerging sense of nationhood within the context of the rapid change taking place during this important period. Lessons explore Japan's modernization and emerging national identity from multiple social and economic perspectives within Japan during the Meiji period, with special attention to the role of artists in helping to shape and promote a national identity. Lessons include: (1) "Introduction to Meiji Japan"; (2) "The Meiji Restoration: Defining Government Goals and Policies"; (3) "Bunmei Kaika: The Role of Art in Promoting Government Policy"; (4) "The Meiji Constitution of 1889"; (5) "Education and National Identity"; (6) "Good Wife, Wise Mother: The Role of Women in Meiji Modernization"; (7) "Female Factory Workers and the 'Meiji Miracle'"; and (8) "Japan Takes a Bow on the World Stage: The 1893 World's Fair." The eight lessons build upon each other and may be used as a complete curriculum unit or used in combination with the textbook or other supplementary materials to enrich the study of this period in Japanese history. (EH)