Social Japan in the 1920’s?
So I have to do a project on the social conditions in Japan during the 1920’s. After many hours of research, all I’ve come up with is the Kanto Earthquake in 1923. I need two more points/ideas. Could any of you possibly lead me in the right direction and give me some ideas? Thank you! Your help is greatly appreciated!
sources [1] English version of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taisho period
Preface:
“The Taishō period …”period of great righteousness” or Taisho era, is a period in the history of Japan dating from July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926, coinciding with the reign of the Taishō Emperor. The health of the new emperor was weak, which prompted the shift in political power from the old oligarchic group of elder statesmen (or genro) to the Diet of Japan and the democratic parties. Thus, the era is considered the time of the liberal movement known as the “Taisho democracy” in Japan; it is usually distinguished from the preceding chaotic Meiji period and …
the following exctreme aggressive militarism-driven first half of the Showa period:” [1]
My coment:
=> It was a militarist policy of occupating foreign soil and preparing the war against the other great power and adversary, the United States,even in the Pacific region,and occupying the British and French colonies pretending to liberate the oppressed peoples of South East Asia.
(2) Japan’s social life in the twenties might be expected to be the mirror of a democratic policy of
leadership aware of the social problems of the country. But that should be investugated into.
I found the following source:
The first prime minister from one of the nascent political parties, Hara Takashi, took office in 1918, and despite his assassination in 1921, Taisho is regarded as an era of experiments with democracy. Beginning in 1919 the government was assailed with…
=> increasing demands for universal male suffrage, an issue that occasioned rioting in the cities. In answer to these demands the government passed in 1919 a reform act doubling the electorate (to 3 million). In 1923 the Tokyo and Yokohama region was convulsed by the great Kantō earthquake, but the vigour of the new industrialized society was demonstrated by the speed of reconstruction. Democratic protests became even more intense and universal male suffrage was granted in 1925. The electorate increased sharply, to 14 million. Reflecting the rising interest in popular government, =>the political trend during the 1920s was towards party Cabinets and away from oligarchic rule by the nobility, the military leaders, and the so-called elder statesmen. This movement was short-lived, however.<=[2]
I'm sorry not to have found more,Perhaps it might be at least an atom of what you expected."
The White Leaf : Powder Trippin Japan