How an Emperor Cult Forged Japan’s Militaristic State
Japan's fascism emerged from extreme nationalism, the emperor cult, and economic turmoil. The Tokugawa Shogunate's end in 1868 through the Meiji Restoration sparked modernization but also social disruption. As Emperor Taishō's health declined, the period known as Taishō Democracy (1912-1926) arose, yet it failed to address ongoing problems. Japanese fascism revered the emperor and embraced ultra-nationalism, with the 'kokutai' policy stressing loyalty and hierarchy. The devastation caused by the Wall Street Crash and the depression of the 1920s and 1930s left rural areas disillusioned with democracy. The military began to dominate politics, and the Mukden Incident in 1931 led to the Manchurian invasion. Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated on May 15, 1932. Japan allied with fascist Germany and Italy, signing the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1936 and the Tripartite Pact on September 27, 1940, culminating in the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.
Key facts
- Meiji Restoration in 1868 ended Tokugawa Shogunate and began modernization.
- Taishō Democracy (1912-1926) was a brief period of liberal governance.
- Emperor worship and ultra-nationalism formed the ideological core of Japanese fascism.
- The policy of 'kokutai' originated in the late 1700s, framing founding myths as facts.
- The Great Depression caused agricultural prices to fall, leading to social unrest.
- The Mukden Incident in 1931 was a false flag bombing by the Kwantung Army, leading to invasion of Manchuria.
- Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated on May 15, 1932, by nationalist naval officers.
- The Peace Preservation Law of 1925 was expanded to suppress dissent.
- Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1936 and the Tripartite Pact on September 27, 1940.
- Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, entering World War II.
Entities
Institutions
- Tokugawa Shogunate
- Kwantung Army
- Black Dragon Society
- Cherry Blossom Society
- Imperial Household Agency of Japan
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- National Archives and Records Administration
- Asahi Shimbun
Locations
- Japan
- Tokyo
- Manchuria
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- United States
- Soviet Union
- Pearl Harbor
- Europe
- North Africa
- East Asia
- Pacific