Answer:
To adapt and prevent over-expansive western/foreign encroachment and compete with modernized, industrial powers on the global stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Meiji reformers desired to reform and modernize Japan because they desired to adapt to the ever-increasing foreign influence of western countries, such as Britain, France, and Spain. Japan had been previously a militaristic society that relied on tradition and familial ties, rather than a modernistic one, which reformers predicted would cause Japan to soon collapse on itself. Meiji reformers noticed that a neighboring country, China, saw its downfall due to western encroachment, mainly because they lacked any modern technology or governmental system, just as traditional Japan lacked. Reformers urged that Japan modernize itself under Emperor Meiji to not end up like China, which was distraught with unequal policies, filled with social upheaval, and cut into spheres of influence by European traders. Reformers wanted Japan to not only not end up like China, but rise to the world stage and potentially compete with other modernized nations, even those in Europe. The Meiji reformers demanded that the country impose modern policies and technology while retaining some traditional, "Japanese" elements, to fully modernize Japan.