Emperor Showa HirohitoEmperor Showa Hirohito was born on 1901 and died on 1989. He began his rule at the age of 25 in the year of 1926 and ruled until his death. Although his reign began at the time of a popular democracy-oriented nation, he led it into ultra-nationalism and militarism. He allowed attacks on most of Japan’s Asian neighbors and was allies with Nazi Germany. His most infamous assault would be the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Japan surrendered in 1945 and Hirohito was stripped of all power.
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Constitution of 1947The Japanese Constitution of 1947 was promulgated on November 3, 1946 and fully came into effect on May 3, 1947. It admitted universal suffrage, granted Emperor Hirohito only symbolic power, rid peerage, abolished Japan’s right to initiate war and provided a bill of rights. This was, for the majority, under the influence of Supreme Allied Commander Douglas MacArthur and his occupation staff. (History) (Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet) |
ZaibatsuAccording to Britannica, Zaibatsu were “any of the large capitalist enterprises of Japan before World War II” and literally translated to “wealthy clique.” (The Zaibatsu can be seen as monopolies from American perspective). The four dominating Zaibatsu were Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo and Yasuda. They originated post-Meiji Restoration, in 1868, as economic growth was highly encouraged. The Zaibatsu enjoyed power until 1946, the end of World War II, as Allied occupation ordered them to dissolve. Eventually the parent companies were on the market for sale and individual companies were freed.
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Liberal Demographic Party (Diet)The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan is Japan’s largest political party, dominating the nation since 1955. It is well noted from its fast recovery from World War II and is in charge for its development as an economic superpower. It continues to hold popular sovereignty.
image: Plaza.rakuten.co.jp |