During his reign, Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) was keen to adopt Western culture and constructs, while maintaining Japan’s age-old traditions. Japanese society followed the Emperor's lead in his adoption of Western technologies and traditions.
The Emperor loved Western cuisine and wine. In memory of Emperor Meiji and his love of French wine, a number of famous wineries in the Bourgogne region of France each donated a barrel of wine to Meiji Jingu in 2006. Wine donated from Burgundy is now offered to the shrine every year.
These barrels are a symbol of the strong intercultural ties enjoyed by France and Japan. They are donated in the expectation of the continued enjoyment of a long and fruitful relationship between the two countries, and with profound gratitude for the spirit of friendship and for world peace.