Japan began its drive toward modernization and catch-up with the West in the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The shogun lost his power, the emperor played a more significative role and a new elite administrated the state. Western models and patterns were adopted, official missions were sent to the most advanced countries to study their modern educational, administrative, industrial, defense, commercial and scientific systems and solutions. There was no more place for the samurais and their lifestyle. Some members of the old samurai class simply became part of the new elites. The old samurai way of life simply died. However, Japan retained many unique elements of its culture and idiosyncracy.
Things that could of let to population growth during the industrial revolution is that many people moved to the north to work in factories . By doing this everyone would move to the cities and increase the population of the north.
