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Article 9
Clause in Japan’s 1947 Constitution that prohibits war and the maintenance of offensive military forces.
Battle of Midway (1942)
Decisive U.S. naval victory that marked the beginning of Japan’s decline in the Pacific.
Battle of Singapore (1942)
A decisive Japanese victory that symbolized the collapse of British power in Asia.
Collectivism
A business and social philosophy where the emphasis is on the collective (the company or work group) over the individual
Diet
Japan’s bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Peers.
Dodge Line (1949)
U.S. economic policy that introduced austerity and balanced budgets, laying the foundation for Japan’s postwar recovery.
Embargo
A government order restricting trade, used by the United States to limit Japan’s access to oil and war materials.
Genro
Elder statesmen and former Meiji leaders who advised the emperor and retained real political influence.
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
Japan's imperial vision of economic and political unity in Asia under its leadership, often used to justify conquest.
Hideki Tojo
Japanese Army general and prime minister who led Japan into war with the United States and oversaw much of the Pacific conflict.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945)
Japanese cities destroyed by atomic bombs dropped by the United States, leading to Japan’s surrender.
Kenseikai/Minseito
More liberal party advocating social reform, education, and international cooperation.
Korean War Boom
Surge in Japan's production and exports (1950–1953) due to U.S. military procurement during the Korean War.
Kwantung Army
Japanese military force stationed in Manchuria that initiated the 1931 invasion, defying civilian authority.
Lytton Report
League of Nations investigation that concluded Japan had acted aggressively and should withdraw from Manchuria.
Manchukuo
Japanese-controlled puppet state established in Manchuria in 1932, ruled nominally by the last Qing emperor, Puyi.
Manchukuo
Puppet state established by Japan in Manchuria in 1932, claiming to promote “Asian independence” from Western imperialism.
Marco Polo Bridge Incident (1937)
A clash between Japanese and Chinese troops at Lugouqiao (Marco Polo Bridge) near Beijing on 7 July 1937. A Japanese soldier went missing during a night exercise, and Japan demanded to search the nearby town of Wanping. China refused, and fighting erupted. Japan used the incident to escalate into a full-scale invasion of China, marking the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Militarism
The belief that the military should dominate politics and national policy, often justified by claims of national destiny.
MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry)
Government body coordinating Japan’s industrial strategy and technology transfer.
Nuclear Family
A family unit consisting of parents and their children, replacing traditional multi-generational households.
Salaryman
A white-collar worker representing Japan’s new corporate middle class.
SCAP (Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers)
The U.S.-led authority that administered Japan during the postwar occupation.
Seiyukai
Conservative political party favoring cooperation with the bureaucracy and economic expansion.