The Meiji Era marked the end of the feudal system under the shoguns with the restoration of the Emperor to power. The Tokugawa Shogunate ended in 1868, and Prince Mutsuhito became the first Emperor of the Meiji era. The new political system abolished the samurai class, and Japan underwent rapid modernization, embracing Western technology, governance, and social structure.

These changes affected the art of woodblock prints as well. The introduction of new imported synthetic and aniline dyes produced the bright reds and purples common to Meiji era prints. Subject matter also reflected the changing culture, with prints depicting modern stone buildings or new technology such as trains or telephone wires. Other designs reflect the incorporation of Western fashions into society, with accessories such umbrellas, hats, canes, and shoes showing the modernity of the wearer. Some artists also showed a greater interest in Western art techniques such as perspective and shading, elements not seen in earlier Japanese woodblocks.

While kabuki and beauty prints remained popular, contemporary subject matter also included senso-e or (war pictures), most often of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877 and the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 -1895. Famous artists of the Meiji era include Yoshitoshi, Kunichika, and Chikanobu. Vibrant color and attention to detail characterize the the woodblocks of the Meiji era.