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.
Modern technology has made remarkable progress.
この町には近代的な建物が増えている。
Modern buildings are increasing in this town.
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.
Japan developed rapidly after entering the modern era.
Since the modern era, many traditional values have changed.
modern history
modern; contemporary