During what period of Japanese history did the country begin a process of industrialization and modernization?

It was in Imperial Japan - 1890 to 1930 - that industrialization and expansion began. During this period the Japanese industry expanded, they started to export industries like textiles and steel and shipbuilding.

This made cities grow and made Japanese move from rural areas to cities to work in factories and offices.

When the world depression came in 1929, farmers that used to grow silk found no marked anymore, this made social problems increase especially in the countryside.