The Taishō era, in Japan spanning from 1912 to 1926 was a time of changes in politics and society steering towards a robust democratic framework. It commenced with the Taishō crisis of 1912-13,^[87] resulting in Prime Minister Katsura Tarō stepping down and amplifying the roles of factions like Seiyūkai and Minseitō. In 1925 universal male suffrage was established; however this period also saw the enactment of the Peace Preservation Law that year, which suppressed dissenting voices.^[88] Japans involvement in World War I alongside the Allies brought about progress and global acknowledgment culminating in Japan securing a permanent seat on the Council of the League of Nations.^[89]

Culturally, the Taishō era witnessed a renaissance in literature and arts with figures such as Ryūnosuke Akutagawa and Jun'ichirō Tanizaki leaving marks. Nevertheless this era was marred by calamities like the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923 that claimed over 100,000 lives^[90] and triggered violence against thousands of Koreans during the Kantō Massacre.^[91] Social turmoil prevailed during this time with demands for suffrage protests and Prime Minister Hara Takashis assassination in 1921 leading to coalitions and nonpartisan governments.

Internationally, Japan was recognized as one of the "Big Five" nations at the Paris Peace Conference, in 1919. During this time, Japan's ambitions in China including gaining territory in Shandong sparked anti-Japanese feelings. In 1921-22 Japan participated in the Washington Conference resulting in a series of agreements that reshaped the Pacific region and ended the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Despite hopes for rule and global collaboration, Japan encountered domestic economic hardships such as the severe depression of 1930 and external challenges like rising anti- Japanese sentiment in China and rivalry with the United States.

During this era Communism gained influence as evidenced by the establishment of the Japanese Communist Party in 1922. The enactment of the Peace Preservation Law, in 1925 and additional regulations in 1928 were designed to curb socialist movements leading to the party operating clandestinely by the 1920s. Concurrently Japan saw a rise in right wing politics exemplified by organizations such, as Gen'yōsha and Kokuryūkai which emphasized matters and advocated for nationalism.

In essence the Taishō period presented a nuanced phase of change for Japan as it navigated between democratization efforts and authoritarian inclinations economic expansion alongside difficulties as global acknowledgment juxtaposed with international tensions. While it moved towards a framework and gained recognition, Japan grappled with internal social and economic challenges that laid groundwork, for heightened militarization and authoritarianism by the 1930s.