Takashi Hara and the Wilsonian Challenge
From 1918-1921, Takashi Hara skillfully led Japan’s first modern government which was truly commanded by elected politicians, a major step forward for democracy.
Tag Archives: Genro
Masatake Terauchi and the Rice Riots
From 1916-1918, General Masatake Terauchi spent a mostly unhappy two years as prime minister of Japan. He successfully carried forward Japan’s involvement in the First World War, but shadows darkened both at home and abroad.
Shigenobu Okuma and the First World War
From 1914-1916, Shigenobu Okuma made an unlikely return as prime minister, this time establishing a more stable administration in cooperation with the conservative oligarchs. Okuma and his dynamic Foreign Minister Takaaki Kato led the nation into the First World War, which for Japan was a relatively profitable opportunity.
Gonnohyoe Yamamoto and the Navy Siemens Scandal
In 1913-1914, Admiral Gonnohyoe Yamamoto launched a new era in Japanese politics, bringing the nation one step closer to a democratic form of government. Eventually, however, the Imperial Japanese Navy led the administration into embarrassment.
Taro Katsura and the Taisho Political Crisis
In 1912-1913, Taro Katsura returned for a third and final term as prime minister, but rather than cool the embers of the Taisho Political Crisis, he unexpectedly pours fuel on the fire.
Kinmochi Saionji and the Imperial Army Confrontation
From 1911-1912, aristocrat Saionji Kinmochi returned as prime minister of Japan. Although his government had strong public support, it soon found itself in a budget confrontation with the Imperial Army. Neither side was prepared to back down.
Taro Katsura and the Annexation of Korea
From 1908-1911, Taro Katsura led a second relatively long and stable administration of Japan. The most consequential event was his government’s decision to fully annex the Korean Peninsula, wiping out that neighboring nation’s independent legal existence.
Kinmochi Saionji and the Japan National Railways
From 1906-1908, aristocrat Kinmochi Saionji established the first stable government based on political party rule. Its leading achievement was to nationalize the country’s railroads and create the Japan National Railways system.
Taro Katsura and the Russo-Japanese War
From 1901-1906, Taro Katsura served a highly consequential term as prime minister which featured the emergence of a new generation to the top leadership post and a war which established Japan as a Great Power in international affairs.
Hirobumi Ito and the First Government Party
Becoming prime minister for a still unmatched fourth time in 1900-1901, Hirobumi Ito this time leads a parliamentary political party. However, the experiment soon founders due to the hostility of his oligarch colleagues.
