noun
modern times; present day; recent times
Refers broadly to the modern era, often contrasted with pre-modern periods. In everyday use, it can mean contemporary or recent times.
近代の技術は目覚ましい進歩を遂げた。
Modern technology has made remarkable progress.
この
Modern buildings are increasing in this town.
noun
early modern period (Japan, Meiji to end of WWII)
Historical term specifically for the period from the Meiji Restoration (1868) to the end of World War II (1945). Used in academic or historical contexts.
See also: 明治維新
日本の近代は明治維新から始まった。
Japan's early modern period began with the Meiji Restoration.
近代文学の授業で夏目漱石を読んだ。
We read Natsume Soseki in the early modern literature class.