Taisho
Taisho Period: A Japanese Version of Democracy
Democracy is a kind of government where all concerned citizens of a particular country have an equal say with regards to decisions that could affect their existence in that nation. The system allows eligible members of the nation to equally take part in the proposal, development, and creation of laws, either directly or indirectly. The term “democracy” comes from the Greek word “demokratia”, which means “rule of the people”. “Demokratia” is made up of two other Greek words, “demos” and “kratos”, which mean “people” and “power” respectively.
Democracy consists of four essential elements. First, it has to have a political system for electing, impeaching, and re-electing government officials through just and unbiased elections. Next, people have to actively participate in politics and in community activities. Also, the protection of all human rights should be prevalent. Lastly, passed laws should apply equally to all citizens.
The kind of democracy described above is quite different from the so-called Taisho Democracy, which Japan experienced from 1912 to 1926, although some historians argue that it started in 1905 and lasted until 1932. This time discrepancy, along with the difference between the two versions of democracy, will be explained throughout this paper. The paper will begin by talking briefly about the pre-Taisho period. Next, it would focus on Taisho period itself and on the kind of government prevalent during that time. After establishing the characteristics of Taisho democracy, it will be compared to that of the democracy known today. From the information provided, a conclusion will be drawn to summarize the purpose of this paper.
Prior to the Taisho era, Japan experienced the Meiji period. The Meiji period, which was from 1868 to 1912, was the restoration era of Japan from the isolated Tokugawa era. It was in this time that the country’s capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo and the emperor was put
Democracy is a kind of government where all concerned citizens of a particular country have an equal say with regards to decisions that could affect their existence in that nation. The system allows eligible members of the nation to equally take part in the proposal, development, and creation of laws, either directly or indirectly. The term “democracy” comes from the Greek word “demokratia”, which means “rule of the people”. “Demokratia” is made up of two other Greek words, “demos” and “kratos”, which mean “people” and “power” respectively.
Democracy consists of four essential elements. First, it has to have a political system for electing, impeaching, and re-electing government officials through just and unbiased elections. Next, people have to actively participate in politics and in community activities. Also, the protection of all human rights should be prevalent. Lastly, passed laws should apply equally to all citizens.
The kind of democracy described above is quite different from the so-called Taisho Democracy, which Japan experienced from 1912 to 1926, although some historians argue that it started in 1905 and lasted until 1932. This time discrepancy, along with the difference between the two versions of democracy, will be explained throughout this paper. The paper will begin by talking briefly about the pre-Taisho period. Next, it would focus on Taisho period itself and on the kind of government prevalent during that time. After establishing the characteristics of Taisho democracy, it will be compared to that of the democracy known today. From the information provided, a conclusion will be drawn to summarize the purpose of this paper.
Prior to the Taisho era, Japan experienced the Meiji period. The Meiji period, which was from 1868 to 1912, was the restoration era of Japan from the isolated Tokugawa era. It was in this time that the country’s capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo and the emperor was put