In order to compete with Western nations, Japan began modernizing its politics and economy in 1868 in a process called parliamentary democracy the Meiji Restoration the Tokugawa Shogunate feudalism

The answer is Meiji Restoration. It abolished feudalism and the Shogunate. They began adopting modern European clothing and studied European technology and commerce. Industries were established and Japan emerged as a modern nation due to this development. Not only was Japan modernized but was still an independent country.