The Meiji Restoration aimed to transform Japan from a feudal society into a modern state, capable of standing among Western nations. One of the key elements of this transformation involved the daimyōs, who were the powerful feudal lords that governed their domains independently. The restoration process commenced in 1868, compounding pressures from both internal strife and external threats, particularly from Western powers seeking to establish trade relationships. This led to significant political and social upheaval, making reforms necessary for Japan's survival and modernization.

On June 17, 1869, daimyōs across the country began the formal return of their lands to the emperor, symbolizing a pivotal transition in the nation’s governance. This event solidified the emperor's central authority and marked the end of the feudal system that had dominated Japan for centuries. The daimyōs were compensated for their holdings, which facilitated the shift from their local governance to a more centralized state, managed by the imperial government. This process laid the groundwork for future reforms, including the creation of a national army and the establishment of modern educational systems.

As various territories were returned, the Japanese government sought to redistribute these lands for agricultural and economic development while fostering a sense of national unity. The return of land was a fundamental step toward modernizing Japan's administrative structure, setting the stage for the rapid advancements that would follow during the Meiji Period. With this maneuver, Japan began to build its identity as a unified nation-state, ultimately leading to its emergence as a global power by the early 20th century.