Civilization VII · Modern Age · DLC

Meiji Japan

Meiji Japan converts Production directly into Science through overbuilding — a civilization that treats replacing old buildings with new ones as a core research strategy, not just routine city management.

Unique Ability

"Goisshin" grants Science equal to a percentage of a Building's Production cost when you construct it, and an even larger Science bonus when you overbuild an existing Building with a new one — directly rewarding continuous urban renewal rather than one-and-done construction.

Unique Unit

The Mikasa is a unique Naval unit that, the first time it's destroyed, uses a charge to respawn at the nearest friendly naval spawn point at reduced health — giving Meiji's navy real staying power. The Zero is a unique Aircraft unit with increased attack range and increased Combat Strength specifically against other Aircraft units.

Unique Infrastructure

The Ginkō (Gold) and Jukogyo (Production, with a Coast adjacency bonus and increased Resource Slots) are unique buildings, combining into the Zaibatsu Unique Quarter which boosts Gold and Production on adjacent tiles. The associated Wonder, Dogo Onsen, grants Happiness and Population growth during Celebrations; it must be built adjacent to Coast.

How to Play Meiji Japan

  • Plan for overbuilding deliberately rather than treating it as wasted Production — replacing an existing Building with a better one is one of Meiji Japan's best Science sources, not just a late-game convenience.
  • Settle and build along the coast — the Jukogyo's Production adjacency and several Traditions depend on Coast proximity.
  • Invest in Naval and Aircraft units even in a peaceful game — the Fukoku Kyōhei Tradition converts their Production cost directly into Science, making them a legitimate research tool, not just a military one.

Related Guides

Browse more civilizations

See the full civilization database, organized by Age.

All Civilizations