Taisho Period: The Blossoming of Democracy and Modern Culture
(1912 - 1926)
- Prologue: The Dawn of the Taisho Era
In 1912, Emperor Meiji passed away, and Emperor Taisho ascended the throne. This marked the beginning of the "Taisho Era" (1912–1926).
Although the Taisho Era lasted only 15 years, it brought significant political, social, and cultural changes. While continuing the modernization initiated in the Meiji period, people began seeking new, freer values, leading to the rise of the democratic movement known as "Taisho Democracy."
At the same time, urban areas saw the emergence of modern lifestyles influenced by Western culture.
However, the Taisho period was not entirely optimistic. It was a time when the flourishing modern culture coexisted with economic and social turmoil.
- Chapter 1: The Rise of Taisho Democracy—An Era of Freedom and Democracy
1. What is "Taisho Democracy"?
"Taisho Democracy" refers to the wave of democratic reforms and the expansion of public political participation during the Taisho Era (1912–1926).
During the Meiji period, Japan was dominated by strong imperial and governmental authority, leaving little room for public political participation. However, in the Taisho Era, the idea that "politics should belong to the people" gained traction, and movements advocating for freedom and democracy became more active.
Several factors contributed to this change: the relative peace of the Taisho period allowed people to focus on social and political issues, and the spread of education raised public awareness. Additionally, World War I (1914–1918) led to a global push toward democracy, which influenced Japan’s political reforms.
As a result, the movement to uphold the constitution and develop parliamentary politics gained momentum. This movement is known as the "Constitutional Protection Movement."
During this time, political power was largely controlled by former members of the Satsuma and Choshu clans who had led the Meiji Restoration. In response, common citizens and political parties began demanding that parliamentary opinions be properly reflected in governance.
2. The First and Second Constitutional Protection Movements
In 1912, the 3rd Cabinet of Katsura Taro was formed, triggering the First Constitutional Protection Movement. Katsura, supported by the military and bureaucracy, disregarded parliamentary authority, leading to widespread public and political protests. This eventually forced his cabinet to resign in just 53 days, an event known as the "Taisho Political Crisis."
In 1924, as military and bureaucratic influences grew again, three major political parties—Kenseikai, Rikken Seiyukai, and Kakushin Club—joined forces to launch the Second Constitutional Protection Movement. As a result, the Kato Takaaki administration was formed, further strengthening party politics in Japan.
These movements paved the way for an era where public voices directly influenced politics.
3. The Expansion of Voting Rights
At the time, only men who paid a certain amount of tax were allowed to vote. This meant that only the wealthy and landowners could participate in politics, leaving many commoners without a voice.
However, by the 1920s, democratic movements worldwide inspired Japanese citizens to demand universal male suffrage. Political parties and civic groups led nationwide campaigns to achieve this goal.
The Passage of the Universal Suffrage Act (1925)
As a result of these efforts, the Universal Suffrage Act was passed in 1925, granting voting rights to all men aged 25 and over, regardless of their tax payments. This was a major milestone in Japan’s democratic progress.
However, women were still denied voting rights, which would not be granted until after World War II in 1945. Nevertheless, the Taisho period saw the early beginnings of the women's rights movement, which later led to women's suffrage.
The rise of Taisho Democracy brought significant changes to Japan. The Constitutional Protection Movement strengthened party politics, and universal suffrage allowed broader political participation.
Furthermore, the Taisho Era emphasized freedom and individual rights, fostering an active and modern cultural scene. Urban areas embraced café culture, Western fashion, and music. Labor movements and women’s rights activism also gained momentum, increasing public consciousness.
- Chapter 2: World War I and Japan’s Rise on the International Stage
In 1914, World War I erupted in Europe between the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary) and the Allied Powers (Britain, France, Russia). Japan joined the Allies based on the Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902).
For Japan, participation in the war was not just an obligation but an opportunity to enhance its international status. At the time, Japan was not yet recognized as an equal power by Western nations, but by joining the war, it aimed to secure a stronger position, expand its territory, and gain economic benefits.
By participating, Japan acquired German-leased territories in Shandong, China, and gained control over Pacific islands such as Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Saipan under the League of Nations mandate. These expansions increased Japan’s influence in the Pacific region, setting the stage for future conflicts in World War II.
Economically, the war brought a boom, as Japan replaced European countries in supplying goods and materials to Asian markets. This led to a period of economic prosperity known as the "War Boom," with businesses thriving and stock prices soaring.
However, when the war ended, Japan’s economy fell into a severe depression as war-related demand plummeted. Companies cut wages, worsening working conditions, and triggering widespread labor strikes. The Taisho period marked the first significant labor movements in Japanese history.
- Chapter 3: The Flourishing of Modern Urban Culture
The Taisho Era saw rapid urbanization and significant lifestyle changes. Cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya expanded, with new infrastructure, high-rise buildings, and commercial facilities emerging.
The first full-fledged department store, Mitsukoshi, opened in Ginza, Tokyo, introducing a new shopping culture. Glass showcases displayed the latest Western-style clothing and accessories, attracting urban crowds.
The film industry also thrived, with silent films becoming popular. At theaters like Asakusa’s Denki-kan, benshi (narrators) provided live commentary, enhancing the audience's experience.
Western-style Lifestyle
More people started wearing Western clothing, especially in urban areas. Men adopted suits and hats, while women embraced dresses and bob hairstyles, reflecting the growing influence of Western culture.
With the spread of electric lighting, city streets became bright even at night, extending the vibrancy of urban life beyond daytime hours.
Flourishing of Literature and Arts (Taisho Romanticism)
Literature in the Taisho era evolved from the "didactic and strict style" of the Meiji period into a more delicate and refined form known as Taisho Romanticism.
As urban lifestyles diversified, literature also began to reflect new values and aesthetic sensibilities.
Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Known for his "intellectual literature," Ryunosuke Akutagawa wrote short stories such as Rashomon and The Nose, capturing the spirit of the era with his intricate psychological portrayals and sharp insights.
Takehisa Yumeji
A symbol of Taisho Romanticism, Takehisa Yumeji was both a painter and a poet.
The women he depicted, known as Yumeji-style beauties, were characterized by their delicate and ephemeral charm, becoming a widespread trend. His works adorned café interiors and magazine covers, significantly influencing urban culture.
- The Rise of Modern Boys and Girls ("Mobo" and "Moga")
Young men and women adopted Western-style fashion and lifestyles. "Modern Boys" (Mobo) wore suits and hats, while "Modern Girls" (Moga) sported short bob hairstyles, dresses, and high heels, enjoying jazz music and café culture. They symbolized a break from traditional values, though older generations criticized their unconventional lifestyles.
However, alongside this modern urban culture, social inequalities widened. Despite its glamor, the Taisho Era reflected both prosperity and disparities.
- Chapter 4: The Great Kanto Earthquake and Its Aftermath
On September 1, 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake (Magnitude 7.9) devastated the Tokyo-Yokohama area. Fires caused by collapsed homes and cooking stoves resulted in a firestorm, killing over 40,000 people in a single incident.
The total death toll exceeded 105,000, with 370,000 houses destroyed, making it the deadliest natural disaster in Japanese history.
The disaster accelerated urban modernization. The government quickly implemented the "Imperial Capital Reconstruction Plan," improving city infrastructure and planning, ultimately contributing to Tokyo’s future development.
- Epilogue: The Transition to the Showa Era
On December 25, 1926, Emperor Taisho passed away, marking the beginning of the Showa Era.
Though brief, the Taisho period saw significant transformations in politics, society, and culture. However, as Japan entered the early Showa years, democracy gave way to militarism, leading to war and political turmoil.