Between 1918 and 1932, Japan experienced a significant political phase termed Taishō democracy.

• Rikken Seiyūkai (aka Seiyūkai)
  • Founded in 1900.
  • Dominated politics till 1914, briefly lost power, then regained it in 1918.
  • Hara Takashi, its leader in 1918, was the first 'commoner' prime minister.
  • Main focus: Economic growth and boosting Japanese living standards.
  • Fun Fact: Imagine a country boy becoming the leader of the nation! It's like a small-town singer winning a global talent contest! Hara was the symbol of change in politics.
• Turbulent Times
  • Assassination of Hara: In 1921, Hara faced accusations of corruption and left-wing suppression. An assassin, craving fame and revolution, ended Hara's life.
  • The 1923 Earthquake: A catastrophe! Tokyo faced devastation, 100,000 people died, and 700,000 wooden houses burnt down.
  • Imagine the chaos like a scene from a disaster movie, where everything is falling apart.
• Rumors and Racist Backlash
  • Rumor had it that the Koreans in Tokyo caused the fire, leading to riots, and approx. 2,613 Koreans were killed.
  • Labour leaders also faced arrest and execution.
  • The events strengthened right-wing ideologies and demands for heightened security.
  • Think of this as a sad episode of a TV series, where mistrust causes unnecessary chaos.
• Post-Earthquake Politics
• Kenseikai (Constitutional Government Party)
  • Took power in 1924.
  • Advocated for universal male suffrage (voting rights) and civil rights.
  • Achieved legislation granting voting rights to men over 25 in 1925.
  • Simultaneously passed the Peace Preservation Law to counter 'dangerous thoughts', particularly targeting communists and anarchists.
  • Think of this as the duality of politics - one step forward for civil rights, but also a step to maintain control.
• Minseitō (Liberal Party)
  • Emerged in 1927.
  • Supported liberal policies.
  • Main Support Base: Urban areas.
  • Main Allies: Business interests.
  • Promoted peaceful foreign policies and the enforcement of the London Naval Treaty.
  • Imagine this party as a city slicker, all about urban growth and global peace treaties.