"By this oath we set up as our aim the establishment of the national weal on a broad basis and the framing of a constitution and laws. Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by public discussion. All classes, high and low, shall unite in vigorously carrying out the administration of affairs of state. The common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall each be allowed to pursue his own calling. Evil customs of the past shall be broken off and everything based upon the just laws of Nature. Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule."

The Charter Oath (Gokajō no Goseimon), sworn by Emperor Meiji before the assembled court and government officials, Kyoto, 6 April 1868. The oath was drafted by senior officials of the new Meiji government and marked the formal beginning of the Meiji era.