To what degree was the Meiji Restoration a revolution?

The Meiji Restoration was revolutionary in many important respects. When the Meiji Emperor came to power, Japan embarked upon a process of modernization that transformed the country beyond recognition. Previously, Japan had been a weak vassal state, riven with internal conflict. Political authority resided with the shōguns, semi-independent feudal warlords. They were constantly fought each other for supremacy, undermining the stability of the Japanese state. This made Japan all too vulnerable to Western manipulation and control.
Emperor Meiji put an end to Japan's subordination by beating the West at its own game. He established a highly centralized, bureaucratic system of government on Western lines; he put in place a new constitution which included an elected parliament; he set about constructing a modern transport and communication infrastructure; the education system was radically overhauled, challenging the old feudal hierarchies by its emphasis on merit and individual achievement; and most importantly of all, Japan under Meiji built a powerful army and navy that would allow the country to assert itself more aggressively in pursuit of its interests.
As a result of all these changes, Japan became a major player in international affairs. It regained full independence in relation to its trade and foreign policy, allowing it to pursue long-held dreams of imperial glory. Japan became militarily powerful, winning two major conflicts, one of which was against a European power, Russia. Though still retaining many of the old traditions, Japan had become, to all intents and purposes, thoroughly Westernized, able to compete with the West on more or less equal terms. If we contrast this with the weak, subservient position of Japan before Meiji ascended the throne, we can see why the emperor's assumption of power was not just a restoration but a revolution.