Saionji-Harada Memoirs Part 16: Plans for New Party Simmer

Foreword and Introduction by Maggie Murray

De: Kumao Harada

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Prince Saionji Kinmochi was the last genro of Japan who played a leading role in Japanese politics during the Meiji Restoration. Having served as prime minister of Japan twice, his insights into the matter of Manchuria were crucial in understanding the invasion of China during World War 2. The introduction contextualizes Japan's relationship with Manchuria and China along with the politicized military to set the socio-political backdrop for the memoir. In addition, the genro's cultural and political significance is described to demonstrate Saionji's own cultural status. A detailed examination of Saionji's upbringing and actions in the foreword provides context to his decisions and power of influence. "Plans for a New Party Simmer" looks into how the Japanese dealt with the right-wing threat, China policy, and the potentiality of a new and unstabilizing political party from 1931 to 1940.