Donald Keene, an expert on Japanese literature, will give a lecture in English titled "Emperor Meiji and War" on Oct. 30 at Ueno Gakuen University in Tokyo's Taito Ward.

Keene, a visiting professor at Ueno Gakuen, has devoted most of the past five years to researching the life of Emperor Meiji, who reigned over Japan from 1867 to 1912.

He believes that tracing the life of the emperor -- about whom little personal is known, despite the fact that he is one of Japan's most celebrated emperors -- provides insight into how and why Japan evolved into a major power during his reign.

The lecture, from 3 to 5 p.m., is free and open to anyone who registers by Monday. For registration and more information, call the event sponsor, the Japan British Society, at (03) 3211-8027.