capital from Kyoto to Tokyo and began to build a centralized state around the Emperor. The Meiji government abolished the system. Emperor Meiji also announced the Charter Oath. In this way, the Meiji government steadily came to hold greater political power. The feudal system in Japan collapsed at this time. The new government introduced new systems following the example of foreign countries, especially Germany, and established a new governance system. Overview of phenomenon A famous saying that symbolizes this era is: "If you tap a head with hair cropped short (, ), you will hear the sound of civilization." This saying shows that Western hairstyles were a symbol of civilization. The new Meiji government promoted a series of policies encouraging new industries, increasing wealth and military power, and following Europe, which included the introduction of Western architecture (Giyōfū architecture), haircutting, Western clothing, and Western food. However, it has also been pointed out that this Westernization was limited to urban areas and a few intellectuals. In some rural areas, lights were until the Shōwa period. The introduction of a modern mail system and technologies using electricity, such as the telegraph, was very gradual. The traditions and customs of the late Edo period continued for a long time. Since the opening of Japan to the outside world, Japanese customs were reported from a curious perspective by foreigners who visited Japan. In order for the new Japan to not be misunderstood, the Meiji government called Japan's indigenous customs and beliefs "bad" and "old" and took policies to "enlighten" the "lost mongrel" people. Local governments took the initiative to eliminate folk customs, and many of these customs were reduced or discontinued due to the effects of . For example, along with the abandonment of Buddhism, the Ministry of Education disallowed Yamabushi, Shamanism, and other forms of blessing prayer in 1873. In addition, tattoos and Iomante were banned, affecting Ainu culture and Ryukyuan culture. In 1872, the Tokyo Prefecture issued an ordinance () which established detailed regulations to discourage a number of behaviors that the government regarded as contrary to public hygiene, safety, order, and decency. In this context, Western military technology was actively introduced as part of the new military policy, and even the rations served in the military were Westernized in order to increase the strength and stamina of the soldiers. However, the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces, which had just been established at