HOME > Chronological Table
Ka'ei-Keio
Year |
Month, Day |
Event |
Historical Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ka'ei 6(1853) | June 3(July 8) | U.S. East India Fleet led by Commodore Matthew Perry arrives in Uraga Harbor | "Gasshukoku Shokan Wage" 'Translations of Letters from the United States [President]' |
| Ka'ei 7(1854) | January 16(February 13) | Perry revisits Japan, and begins talks the following month with shogunate representatives in the village of Yokohama | |
| March 3(March 31) | Signing of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity | Copy of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity | |
| Ansei 5(1858) | June 19(July 29) | Signing of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Amity and Commerce | |
| September 7(October 13) | Start of the "Ansei no Taigoku" purge of over 100 people from the shogunate, various clans, and the Imperial court by Tokugawa Regent II Naosuke to quell opposition to his handling of the shogunal succession and the treaty with the U.S. (continued until II's assassination for signing the treaty without the Emperor's permission, in the Sakurada Gate Incident of March 24, 1860, or Man'en 1) | ||
| Bunkyu 3(1863) | August 18(September 30) | Forbidden Gates Incident ("Kinmon no Hen"), leading to the expulsion of the advocates of "respect the Emperor and expel the barbarians" from the Imperial Court | |
| Keio 2(1866) | January 21(March 7) | Satsuma and Choshu clans sign secret pact to topple the Tokugawa Shogunate | |
| Keio 3(1867·1868) | June | Tosa clan samurai led by GOTO Shojiro recommend to previous clan lord YAMAUCHI Toyoshige the restoration of political power to the Emperor | |
| October 13(November 8) | Emperor issues edict terminating the Tokugawa Shogunate | ||
| October 14(November 9) | The last Shogun, TOKUGAWA Yoshinobu, submits to the Imperial Court the proposal for the restoration of political power to the Emperor | ||
| November | SAKAMOTO Ryoma drafts Memorandum on "Senchu Hassaku" ('Eight Proposals Made in a Boat') | Shin Seifu Koryo Hassaku (Eight Point Program for a New Government) | |
| November | NISHI Amane develops his theory of government, in "Gidai Soan" (Proposed Agenda) |
Draft of Discussion Topics, or Proposed Agenda ("Gidai Soan") | |
| Annex to Draft of Discussion Topics, or Proposed Agenda ("Besshi Gidai Soan") | |||
| December 9(January 3) | Command issued restoring Imperial rule, giving birth to new Meiji Government | ||
| December 17(January 11) | Meiji Government establishes system of three main ministers to the Emperor -- "sosai" (director-general or president), "gitei" and "sanyo" | ||
| Keio 4(1868) | leap April 21(June 11) | Promulgation of "Seitaisho" ('Form of Government'), prescribing establishment of Dajokan (Grand Council of State) system (8 branches), with administrative, legislative and judicial separation of powers |
Meiji Era
| Year |
Month, Day |
Event |
Historical Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meiji 2(1869) | July 8(August 15) | Revision in governmental bureaucratic structure (2 branches, 6 ministries), formulation of Government Personnel Act | |
| Meiji 4(1871) | July 29(September 13) | Further bureaucratic revision (3 "governments" _ center, right and left -- and 8 ministries), formulation of Dajokan (Grand Council of State) personnel system and description of duties | Original Version, "History of Grand Council of State Personnel System" |
| November 12(December 23) | IWAKURA Mission departs Yokohama port for Europe and America (returns in September 1873, or Meiji 6) | ITO Hirobumi's handwritten diary of his foreign journey | |
| Meiji 5(1872) | April | MIYAJIMA Seiichiro proposes formulation of constitution to the Sain ('Left Government') | Proposal for the Formulation of a Constitution ("Rikkokukengi") |
| Origins of the Compilation of the National Constitution ("Kokken Hensan Kigen") | |||
| Meiji 6(1873) | October 25 | Their "Conquer Korea" argument having been defeated, SAIGO Takamori, ITAGAKI Taisuke, et al., resign as "sangi" (so-called Political Upheaval of 1873, or Meiji 6) | 1873 (Meiji 6), Councilor OKUBO's Draft Opinion on Constitutional Government |
| Meiji 7(1874) | January 12 | Formation of Aikoku Koto (Public Society of Patriots) | Aikoku Koto Pledge (Draft) |
| Aikoku Koto Appended Pledge (Draft) | |||
| January 17 | Submission of White Paper for the Establishment of a Popularly-elected Assembly | Draft of Petition for the Establishment of a Popularly elected Assembly (three versions) | |
| April 1 | Formation of Risshisha (Society of Self-reliance) | ||
| - | AOKI Shuzo draws up constitutional draft, "Teigo Dai-Nippon Constitution" | Teigo Dai-Nippon Constitution (Draft) | |
| Meiji 8(1875) | February 11 | OKUBO Toshimichi, KIDO Takayoshi, ITAGAKI Taisuke and others meet to discuss the form of government (Osaka Conference) | Blueprint for Governmental Reform |
| Draft Proposal for Osaka Conference Agreement | |||
| Addendum to the Draft Proposal of the Osaka Conference Agreement | |||
| April 14 | Imperial edict issued to gradually establish a constitutional form of government | Imperial Rescript Establishing a Constitutional Form of Government | |
| June 24 | Opening of 1st Local Official Council (until July 17) | ||
| Meiji 9(1876) | September 6 | Imperial rescript issued to Chamber of Elders (Genroin) to draft national constitution | Proposal for a Japanese National Constitution |
| October | Uprisings throughout western Japan by disgruntled former samurai | ||
| Meiji 10(1877) | February 15 | SAIGO Takamori leads band of troops in Kagoshima, starting the Satsuma Rebellion (lasts until October 24) | Report of the Artillery Attack Against (Saigo Forces) in Shiroyama |
| June | Risshisha submits Petition to Establish a National Assembly to Chamber of Elders (Genroin) and "Sain" (Left Government) | Copy of Risshisha's Petition Paper | |
| Meiji 13(1880) | March 17 | Formation of League for Establishing a National Assembly at convention of Aikokusha (Society of Patriots) | Petition Requesting Permission to Establish a National Assembly |
| Petition Requesting Permission to Establish a National Assembly, Appendix | |||
| July | IWAKURA Tomomi sends Emperor his opinion on the constitution | Discussion of Outline of Constitution | |
| Meiji 14(1881) | August | Risshisha's UEKI Emori writes "Toyo Dai-Nippon National Constitution Proposal" | Toyo Dai-Nippon National Constitution Proposal |
| October 11 | Conference before the emperor decides on direction of policy supporting establishment of national assembly, and dismisses OKUMA Shigenobu as "sangi" (Political Upheaval of 1881, or Meiji 14) | OKUMA Shigenobu's Report to the Emperor (copy) | |
| Meiji 15(1882) | March 14 | ITO Hirobumi sets sail from Yokohama for Europe to investigate various constitutions | Imperial Order to Dispatch Mission Head Plenipotentiary ITO to Europe to Study Constitutional Forms of Government |
| Meiji 18(1885) | December 22 | Abolition of Dajokan system, and its replacement by the Cabinet system (first prime minister is ITO Hirobumi) | Authority of the Cabinet Edict |
| Meiji 19(1886) | October 24 | Upsurge of Daido Danketsu (Coalition) movement, led by HOSHI Toru | Report |
| Meiji 20(1887) | June |
ITO Hirobumi, ITO Miyoji, KANEKO Kentaro and others begin deliberating constitutional draft at ITO Hirobumi's villa in Natsushima (Kanagawa Prefecture) |
Natsushima Draft Proposal |
| Constitution of the Empire of Japan (clean copy), March Proposal | |||
| Meiji 22(1889) | February 11 | Promulgation of Meiji Constitution (Constitution of the Empire of Japan) | |
| February 12 | Prime Minister KURODA Kiyotaka gives speech on political "transcendentalism" (i.e., separation of government from political parties) on occasion of the promulgation of the constitution | Prime Minister KURODA's Speech on the Occasion of the Promulgation of the Constitution | |
| October 18 | Foreign Minister OKUMA Shigenobu wounded seriously by bomb thrown by KURUSHIMA Koki (temporarily halting negotiations for treaty revision) | Draft of a Directive Telegraphed to Legations Overseas | |
| Meiji 23(1890) | July 1 | 1st general election of House of Representatives | House of Representatives Member Certificate |
| July 10 | 1st House of Peers mutual-voting election by lower-ranked peers (counts, viscounts, barons) | List and Ballot of Viscount Candidates for Election to the House of Peers | |
| September 15 | Inaugural ceremony of Constitutional Liberal Party | [Items to be Studies for the Constitutional Liberal Parties Platform] | |
| November 29 | Opening ceremony of 1st Imperial Diet | Letter from INOUE Kowashi to ITO Hirobumi | |
| Nishiki-e of the Imperial Diet Building | |||
| Meiji 25(1892) | February 15 | 2nd general election of House of Representatives; electoral interference by MATSUKATA Cabinet develops into political problem | List of Candidates for Election to the House of Representatives |
| Sugoroku (game of dice) Lampooning Diet Members | |||
| Meiji 26(1893) | January-February | Government and People's Parties clash in 4th Diet over issue of warship construction expenses | [Draft of Imperial Edict for Reconciliation] |
| Meiji 27(1894) | July 16 | Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation signed (eliminating consular courts for British nationals) | |
| August 1 | Japan declares war on Qing (Ching) China, starting 1st Sino-Japanese War | Draft of Kenken Yoroku (Volume One) | |
| HAYASHI Tadasu's letter to MUTSU Munemitsu | |||
| Meiji 28(1895) | April 17 | Shimonoseki Treaty signed between Japan and Qing (Ching) China, ending war | |
| Meiji 29(1896) | March 1 | Formation of Shinpoto (Progressive Party), based mainly on Rikken Kaishinto (Constitutional Reform Party) | Outline of Prime Minister ITO's Statement of His Policies |
| Meiji 31(1898) | June 22 | Jiyuto (Liberal Party) and Shinpoto (Progressive Party) merge, forming the Kenseito (Constitutional Party) | Proclamation |
| June 30 | Formation of 1st OKUMA Shigenobu Cabinet ("Waihan" Cabinet) | Record of ITO-OKUMA-ITAGAKI Meeting | |
| Meiji 33(1900) | September 15 | Formation of the Rikken Seiyukai ('Friends of the Constitutional Government Party') | Draft Proposal of the Rikken Seiyukai By Laws |
| Rikken Seiyukai By Laws | |||
| Meiji 34(1901) | May 18 | Formation of the Socialist Party by ABE Iso'o and others; banned the same day | Copy of the Notification of Social Democratic Party Formation, and Party By Laws |
| September 7 | Signing of Boxer Protocol (Peace Agreement between China and the Great Powers) | KATSURA Taro Autobiography, Volume Three (Section on the Hokushin Incident) | |
| Meiji 35(1902) | January 30 | (1st) Anglo-Japanese Alliance agreement signed | Entente with the Great Britain and Germany, and the Russo-Japanese Alliance |
| Meiji 37(1904) | February 10 | Japan declares war on Russia, initiating Russo-Japanese War | Notes from the Front, No. 1 |
| Meiji 38(1905) | September 5 | Portsmouth Treaty signed between Japan and Russia, ending war | |
| - | Start of so-called "Keion" era (KATSURA and SAIONJI alternate the prime ministership) (through 1912) | Letter from SAIONJI Kinmochi to KATSURA Taro | |
| Letter from SAIONJI Kinmochi to KATSURA Taro | |||
| Meiji 43(1910) | May 25 | Arrests begin in the High Treason Incident (plot by socialists and anarchists to assassinate the Emperor) | |
| August 22 | Treaty signed annexing Korea to Japan | KATSURA Taro Memorandum | |
| Meiji 44(1911) | February 21 | Japanese-American Treaty of Commerce and Navigation revised and signed (establishing tariff autonomy) |
Taisho Era
| Year | Month, Day | Event | Historical Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meiji 45,Taisho 1(1912) | December 5 | 2nd SAIONJI Kinmochi Cabinet resigns en masse | YAMAGATA Aritomo's Opinion Brief |
| Letter from UEHARA Yusaku to KATSURA Taro | |||
| December 19 | Kensei Yogo ('Protect Constitutional Government') Convention held in Tokyo, then spreads nationwide (1st Movement to Protect Constitutional Government) | ||
| December 21 | Formation of 3rd KATSURA Taro Cabinet | ||
| Taisho 2(1913) | February 7 | Prime Minister KATSURA makes declaration of Rikken Doshikai ('Constitutioned Association of Friends') | |
| February 20 | Formation of 1st YAMAMOTO Gonbee Cabinet | ||
| December 23 | Inaugural ceremony of the Rikken Doshikai ('Constitutioned Association of Friends') | Draft of General Principles and Platform of the Rikken Doshikai | |
| Taisho 3(1914) | March 24 | YAMAMOTO Cabinet resigns en masse | |
| April 16 | Formation of 2nd OKUMA Shigenobu Cabinet | Account Summarizing the Meeting between Marquis INOUE and Count OKUMA | |
| July 28 | Austria declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War (or "Great War") | ||
| August 23 | Japan declares war on Germany | Account of Prime Minister OKUMA's Meeting with Four Genro | |
| Taisho 4(1915) | January 18 | Japan imposes 21 Demands on China | |
| Taisho 5(1916) | October 9 | Formation of TERAUCHI Masatake Cabinet | |
| Taisho 6(1917) | November 7 | Formation of Soviet government in Russia (October Revolution) | |
| Taisho 7(1918) | August 2 | TERAUCHI Cabinet orders Siberian Expedition by Japanese military | Opinion Brief on the Dispatch of Troops to Siberia |
| August 3 | Rice riot breaks out in Nishimizuhashi-cho, Nakaniikawa-gun, Toyama Prefecture, then spreads nationwide | 1918 (Taisho 7) Diary | |
| September 21 | TERAUCHI Cabinet resigns en masse | ||
| September 29 | Formation of HARA Takashi Cabinet | Political Daily, Vol. One | |
| November 11 | First World War ends | ||
| Taisho 8(1919) | January 18 | Paris Peace Conference begins (through June 28) | Japan's Policy in Peace Conference |
| February 9 | Universal (Manhood) Suffrage Convention held in Tokyo; universal (manhood) suffrage movement spreads nationwide | Resolution of the Nationwide Universal Manhood Suffrage Federation (Zenkoku Fusen Rengokai) | |
| March 1 | Independence demonstrations throughout Korea (March 1 Independence Movement) | ||
| May 4 | Student demonstration in Peking (Beijing) (so-called May 4 Movement) | ||
| June 28 | Signing of the Versailles Peace Treaty | ||
| Taisho 9(1920) | January 10 | League of Nations launched, and Japan becomes member | |
| March 15 | Stock market crash, setting off the post-First World War depression | ||
| Taisho 10(1921) | November 4 | Prime Minister HARA stabbed and murdered at Tokyo Station; Cabinet resigns en masse | Telegram from MATSUMOTO Gokichi to HIRATA Tosuke |
| November 12 | Washington Naval Conference begins (lasting until February 6, 1922) | ||
| November 13 | Formation of TAKAHASHI Korekiyo Cabinet | Manuscript of Prime Minister's Inaugural Speech | |
| Taisho 12(1923) | September 1 | Great Kanto Earthquake (tens of thousands killed in Tokyo and Yokohama) | Diary of 1923 |
| December 27 | Attempted shooting of Crown Prince Regent Hirohito (Toranomon Incident) | ||
| Taisho 13(1924) | January | 2nd Movement to Protect Constitutional Government | Notes on the Establishment of the KIYOURA Cabinet |
| June 11 | Formation of 1st KATO Takaaki Cabinet | ||
| Taisho 14(1925) | May 5 | Promulgation of revision to House of Representatives Election Law (implementing universal manhood suffrage) | Draft of the three Factions' Committee's Decision on Universal Manhood Suffrage |
| Decision of Cabinet on Peace Preservation Law |
Showa Era
| Year | Month, Day | Event | Historical Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showa 2(1927) | June 1 | Formation of the Rikken Minseito | |
| Showa 3(1928) | February 20 | 16th general election (1st election with universal manhood suffrage) | Gist of Speech Delivered at Rikken Minseito's Kansai Convention |
| "Major Policies of the Seiyukai" (Tokyo Nichinichi Shinbun) | |||
| Principles and Charter of the Rikken Minseito Prior to the First Manhood Suffrage Election (Tokyo Nichinichi Shinbun) | |||
| Election Guideline (Home Ministry) | |||
| Election Poster | |||
| Measure and Report of the Japan Ronoto Party Headquarters, Presented at Its First National Convention | |||
| June 4 | Assassination of Chinese warlord Zhang Zuo-lin (Chang Tso-lin) by Japanese Kwangtung Army soldiers | ||
| Showa 4(1929) | July 2 | Formation of HAMAGUCHI Osachi Cabinet | Diary of HAMAGUCHI Osachi |
| Showa 5(1930) | January 11 | Release of restriction on gold exports (through April 22) | |
| January 21 | London Naval Conference opens | ||
| April- | Problem of prerogative of supreme command (by Army and Navy) | ||
| October 1 | London Naval Treaty approved by plenary session of the Privy Council | Full Account of Japan's Position at the London Conference | |
| SHIDEHARA Kijuro's Letter to MAKINO Nobuaki | |||
| Kitsugai Shimatsu (A Memoir) | |||
| November 14 | Shooting of Prime Minister HAMAGUCHI Osachi at Tokyo Station (not immediately fatal) | Daily Log of the 59th Diet Proceedings | |
| Showa 6(1931) | September 18 | Mukden Incident (Manchurian Incident), after which Japan occupies Manchuria | Army Disarmament and Prince SAIONJI [1] 11th (iii) to (vi), from HARADA Kumao's Diary |
| Showa 7(1932) | March 1 | Declaration of founding of the state of Manchukuo | |
| May 15 | May 15 Incident (assassination attempt on Prime Minister INUKAI) | Memorandum of SAIONJI Kinmochi | |
| July 15 | House of Representatives Committee decides on Outline of Diet Revitalization and Discipline | Diet Revitalization and Discipline Blueprint | |
| October 24 | Establishment of Great Japan National Defense Women's Association | Folding Fan | |
| Showa 8(1933) | March 27 | Japan quits League of Nations after being condemned for Manchurian occupation | |
| Showa 9(1934) | November 20 | Arrest of young Army officers for plotting coup d'etat (Military School Incident) | Memorandum on the Army Purge, MURANAKA Koji and ISOBE Asaichi |
| Showa 10(1935) | February 18 | KIKUCHI Takeo condemns "Emperor as an Organ of State" theory before House of Peers | Biboroku ("Diary"), Vol. 7 |
| May 8 | Promulgation of Clean Election Committee Act | Clean Election Women's Federation's Agreement : Patriotic Women's Association, Appealing to the 40 Million Women of Japan for Clean Elections | |
| Showa 11(1936) | February 26 | February 26 Incident (failed coup d'etat) | Army Minister Bulletin |
| May 18 | Restoration of the system of active duty officers serving as War and Naval Ministers | ||
| Showa 12(1937) | January 29 | UGAKI Kazushige tapped to form cabinet but frustrated by military, which refuses to appoint ministers; HAYASHI Senjuro then tapped instead | Memorial Declining the Imperial Order to Form a Cabinet (Manuscript) |
| "Extra!", Hochi Shinbun | |||
| June 4 | Formation of 1st KONOE Fumimaro Cabinet | ||
| July 7 | Marco Polo Bridge Incident (starting 2nd Sino-Japanese War) | ||
| November 15 | Opening of 6th Convention of the Shakai Taishuto (Socialist Masses' Party) | Declaration, 6th Convention of the Shakai Taishuto | |
| Showa 13(1938) | April 1 | Promulgation of National General Mobilization Law | National Mobilization Plan for 1942 (Showa 17) |
| Revised Outline of Resource Mobilization Plan for 1944 (Showa 19) (Appended to Supply Capacity Blueprint) | |||
| Showa 14(1939) | September 1 | Germany invades Poland, setting off the Second World War | |
| Showa 15(1940) | February 2 | SAITO Takao's anti-military speech stirs political controversy | Representative SAITO's Statements Ignoring Admonition |
| Kampo (Official Gazette) Gogai (Extra) , Stenographic Record of Legislative Proceedings of the 75th Session of the Imperial Diet House of Representatives number Five, Number Six | |||
| Excised Portion of SAITO Takao's Speech | |||
| June 24 | KONOE Fumimaro resigns as Privy Council chairman, and announces resolve to promote movement for new political system | Diary of ARIMA Yoriyasu | |
| July 6 | Shakai Taishuto (Socialist Masses' Party) dissolved, followed by dissolution of all other political parties in July and August | Notification of Disbandment of Political Parties | |
| July 22 | Formation of 2nd KONOE Fumimaro Cabinet | ||
| September 27 | Japan, Germany and Italy sign treaty of military alliance (Axis) | ||
| October 12 | Launch of Taisei Yokusankai (Imperial Rule Assistance Association) | Basic Plan for Realizing the Taisei Yokusankai | |
| Showa 16(1941) | July 28 | Japanese Army occupies southern French Indochina | |
| October 18 | Formation of TOJO Hideki Cabinet | ||
| December 8 | Japanese military attacks Pearl Harbor, starting the war with the United States (December 7 Hawaii time) | Letter from KONOE Fumimaro to ARITA Hachiro | |
| Letter from YOSHIDA Shigeru to MAKINO Nobuaki | |||
| Air Defense Manual | |||
| Showa 17(1942) | February 2 | Formation of Great Japan Women's Association | Overview of Great Japan Women's Association |
| April 30 | 21st election of the House of Representatives (Yokusan Election) | Proceedings of the General Convention Establishing the Imperial Rule Assistance Political Association: General Outline of Bylaws of Imperial Rule Assistance Political Association Proclamation; the Platform | |
| June 5-7 | Battle of Midway (considered the turning point of the war) | ||
| Showa 18(1943) | February 1 | Japanese Army begins retreat from Guadalcanal | |
| Showa 19(1944) | July 22 | Formation of KOISO Kuniaki Cabinet | Daily Logs of Sept.-Oct. 1944 (Showa 19) |
| Diary of TAKAGI Sokichi | |||
| Starting October 20 | Battle of Leyte (Philippines) | ||
| Showa 20(1945) | February 4-11 | U.S., U.K. And Soviet Union hold Yalta Conference | |
| March 9-10 | Massive air raid on Tokyo | ||
| April 1 | American troops land on main island of Okinawa | ||
| May 7 | Germany surrenders unconditionally to Allies | ||
| May 25-26 | Tokyo mostly incinerated and destroyed in air raid; other major cities also bombed | OKI's Account of the War Devastation of 16 May - 8 June and 14 July 1945 (Showa 20) | |
| Tactical Mission Report Mission No.183 | |||
| Mission Summary Mission Number 183 | |||
| Pamphlets Dropped by U.S. Military on Japan | |||
| July 26 | U.S., U.K. and China jointly issue Potsdam Declaration | ||
| August 6 | Atomic bomb dropped by United States on Hiroshima | Hiroshima Reconstruction: Urban Planning Map for Street Network and Park Layout (1:20,000 scale) | |
| August 8 | Soviet Union declares war on Japan in final days of the conflict | ||
| August 9 | Atomic bomb dropped by United States on Nagasaki | Nagasaki City Map (1:10,000 scale) | |
| August 14 | Japan accepts terms of Potsdam Declaration | ||
| August 15 | Emperor broadcasts (recorded) surrender declaration | Letter from YOSHIDA Shigeru to KURUSU Saburo | |
| September 2 | Signing of surrender documents on USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay | ||
| September 4-5 | 88th Extraordinary Diet Session held | Interpellation on Measures to be Taken by the Government to Clarify the Causes Leading the Unfavorable End of the Great East Asian War and Assessing Responsibility | |
| Reflections on the Government's Defense of Its Position | |||
| September 22 | U.S. Government announces initial post-surrender policy for Japan | U.S. Initial Post-Surrender Policy for Japan (SWNCC150/4/A) | |
| October 4 | GHQ issues democratization directive | Memorandum for: Imperial Japanese Government. Through: Central Liaison Office, Tokyo. Subject: Removal of Restrictions on Political, Civil, and Religious Liberties.(SCAPIN-93) | |
| Starting November | New political parties formed one after another | Record of Preparation for the Formation of the New Japan Liberal Party | |
| Akahata, Vol. 1 | |||
| Declaration | |||
| Platform of the Japan Progressive Party | |||
| Political Parties in Japan | |||
| Political Parties in Japan: Developments during the Week Ending November 17, 1945 | |||
| November 2 | Formation of Japan Socialist Party | ||
| November 9 | Formation of Japan Liberal Party | ||
| November 16 | Formation of Japan Progressive Party | ||
| December 1 | 4th Convention of the Japan Communist Party | ||
| December 17 | Promulgation of revisions to House of Representatives Election Act | ||
| Showa 21(1946) | January 4 | GHQ issues purge directive of "undesirables" from public office | Memorandum for: Imperial Japanese Government. Through: Central Liaison Office, Tokyo. Subject: Removal and Exclusion of Undesirable Personnel from Public Office |
| "The Showa 21 Diary" | |||
| February 13 | GHQ hands Japanese Government draft proposal relating to revisions in the Constitution | Outline of Constitutional Reform | |
| Constitution of Japan (GHQ Draft) | |||
| March 6 | Japanese government announces Outline of a Draft for a Revised Constitution | Outline of a Draft for a Revised Constitution | |
| April 10 | 22nd general election of the House of Representatives | Poster from the First Postwar General Election | |
| Draft of Election Campaign Speech | |||
| Recommendation Letter | |||
| May 22 | Formation of 1st YOSHIDA Shigeru Cabinet | ||
| November 3 | Promulgation of new Constitution of Japan | ||
| Showa 22(1947) | January 4 | Expansion of scope of purge of "undesirables" from public office | Memorandum for: Imperial Japanese Government. Through: Central Liaison Office, Tokyo. Subject: Elimination of War Profits and Reorganization of National Finance |
| On the Investigation into My Qualifications | |||
| Letter of Resignation | |||
| January 31 | MACARTHUR orders cessation of general strike scheduled the following day (February 1) | Recommendations with Respect to U.S.Policy toward Japan (NSC13/2) | |
| April 20 | 1st regular election of new House of Councillors | House of Councillors Candidate Poster | |
| May 3 | Constitution of Japan takes effect | ||
| May 24 | Formation of KATAYAMA Tetsu Cabinet (first Socialist prime minister in Japan) | Letter of YOSHIDA Shigeru to MAKINO Nobuaki | |
| [General MacArthur's Statement] | |||
| Showa 23(1948) | June 23 | Arrests made of Finance Ministry officials and later, certain cabinet members, for receiving bribes from president of Showa Denko (Showa Denko Incident) | |
| Showa 24(1949) | March 7 | GHQ fiscal policy adviser Joseph Dodge announces implementation of Nine Principles for Economic Stability (the "Dodge Line") | |
| July 4 | Japan National Railways announces first set of layoffs (Shimoyama Incident occurs the following day) | Why object to being fired? | |
| Showa 25(1950) | June 6 | MACARTHUR orders purge of Communist Party officials | [Douglas MacArthur's Letter to Prime Minister] |
| June 25 | Outbreak of the Korean War | ||
| July 8 | MACARTHUR orders formation of National Police Reserve | [Douglas MacArthur's Letter to Prime Minister] | |
| Reflections on the Police Reserve | |||
| July | Formation of Sohyo (General Council of Trade Unions of Japan) | "Documents Related to the Inaugural Rally of the General Council of Trade Unions of Japan: Statement of Purposes, Inaugural Rally" | |
Showa 26 (1951) |
August 6 | Purge of undesirables from public office lifted on HATOYAMA Ichiro and others | New diary, 1950～1952 |
| September 8 | Signing of San Francisco Peace Treaty and U.S.-Japan Security Treaty | The Decision on the Stance to Take toward Both the Peace and Security Treaties | |
| October 24 | Socialist Party splits into rightist and leftist factions | ||
Showa 27 (1952) |
February 8 | Formation of Japan Reform Party | Platform of Japan Reform Party, declaration, release of policy guidelines, and others |
| April 28 | San Francisco Peace Treaty and U.S.-Japan Security take effect, restoring Japan's independence as an ally of the United States | ||
| May 1 | Bloody May Day incident | ||
| August 28 | Dissolution of House of Representatives (unscheduled dissolution) | Letter from YOSHIDA Shigeru to HAYASHI Joji and MASUTANI Shuji | |
| September 29 | Expulsion by Liberal Party of ISHIBASHI Tanzan and KONO Ichiro | Letter from HATOYAMA Ichiro to YOSHIDA Shigeru | |
| October 15 | Creation of National Safety Forces | ||
| October 30 | Inauguration of fourth YOSHIDA Cabinet | ||
| November 28 | Passage of motion of no-confidence against International Trade and Industry Minister IKEDA Hayato at plenary session of House of Representatives | ||
Showa 28 (1953) |
March 14 | Passage of motion of no-confidence against YOSHIDA Cabinet at House of Representatives plenary session (Diet dissolution resulting from YOSHIDA's use of the word "stupid" in Diet debate) | Statement declaring separation from the Liberal Party |
| Itinerary of election campaign for April 1953 general election | |||
| March 18 | Formation of so-called "HATOYAMA Liberal Party" | ||
| May 21 | Inauguration of fifth YOSHIDA Cabinet | ||
Showa 29 (1954) |
February 23 | Granting by House of Representatives of arrest of Liberal Party lawmaker ARITA Jiro (Shipbuilding Scandal of 1954) | |
| March 1 | No. 5 Fukuryu Maru fishing boat contaminated by nuclear fallout from U.S. thermonuclear bomb test on Bikini Atoll | ||
| April 21 | Exercise of authority by Justice Minister INUKAI Takeru over bribery case (non-approval of plan to arrest Liberal Party Secretary General SATO Eisaku) | ||
| June 9 | Creation of Self-Defense Forces | ||
| November 24 | Formation of Japan Democratic Party | Preparatory meeting for launching new party | |
| Senior officials of committee for launching new party | |||
| Draft platform | |||
| Draft declaration, resolution and guideline for new party's organizational structure (draft) | |||
| Party rules and codes for Japan Democratic Party (draft) | |||
| Policy guideline (draft) | |||
| Report by new party-naming committee | |||
| Declaration for inaugurating Japan Democratic Party, party platform, policy guideline, party rules and codes | |||
| December 7 | Resignation of YOSHIDA Cabinet | Suggestion to Prime Minister (at Cabinet meeting) | |
| December 10 | Inauguration of first HATOYAMA Ichiro Cabinet | ||
Showa 30 (1955) |
October 13 | Meeting to unify two Japan Socialist Party factions | Paper declaring unification of two Japan Socialist Party factions, read out at the party's meeting |
| Party platform of Japan Socialist Party, party policies, and party guideline | |||
| November 15 | Formation of Liberal Democratic Party (integration of conservative parties) | Diary from the end of March 1955 to September 15, 1955 | |
| Draft agenda at the meeting for launching new party | |||
| Letter from YOSHIDA Shigeru to HAYASHI Joji and IKEDA Hayato | |||
Showa 31 (1956) |
October 19 | Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration for Restoration of Diplomatic Ties | Memoranda related to Japan-Soviet negotiations |
| Letter from YOSHIDA Shigeru to HAYASHI Joji | |||
| December 18 | Unanimous approval of Japan's U.N. membership at U.N. General Assembly | ||
| December 23 | Inauguration of ISHIBASHI Tanzan Cabinet | Autographs for campaign speech | |
Showa 32 (1957) |
February 23 | Resignation of ISHIBASHI Tanzan Cabinet | |
| February 25 | Inauguration of first KISHI Nobusuke Cabinet | ||
Showa 33 (1958) |
June 12 | Inauguration of second KISHI Nobusuke Cabinet | |
| October 8 | Presentation by government of bill to revise Police Official Duties Execution Act to Diet | Paper listing demands on Diet proceedings | |
| November 22 | Agreement between Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Socialist Party to let House of Representatives session adjourn without continuing to make deliberation on the Police Official Duties Execution Act | ||
Showa 34 (1959) |
March 28 | Creation by Japan Socialist Party, General Council of Trade Unions of Japan, and Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs of national council to block revision of Japan-U.S. Security Treaty | |
| September 7- | Visit to P.R. China by former Prime Minister ISHIBASHI, release of joint statement by ISHIBASHI and ZHOU Enlai | Greeting letter following visit to P.R. China | |
| October 25 | Leaving of Japan Socialist Party by NISHIO Suehiro and others | ||
Showa 35 (1960) |
January 19 | Signing of new Japan-U.S. Security Treaty in Washington | |
| January 24 | Formation of Democratic Socialist Party | Platform issue | |
| May 19 | Single-handed vote taking by Liberal Democratic Party at the House of Representatives' special committee on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty on bill to revise new Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and subsequent vote taking on the bill by House of Representatives plenary session in small hours of May 20 | Notebook New Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (1) | |
| Autograph for question and answer at the House of Representatives' special committee on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (1) | |||
| Diary by House of Representatives Secretary General | |||
| Letter from EISENHOWER to KISHI Nobusuke | |||
| Speech autograph in which dissolution of the Diet was demanded | |||
| June 10 | Visit to Japan by U.S. President's Press Secretary and his escape aboard helicopter of U.S. military after being surrounded by demonstrators upon arriving in Japan (Hagerty Incident) | ||
| June 15 | Storming into Diet building by mainstream faction of All-Japan Federation of Students' Self-Governing Associations and subsequent clash with riot police, resulting in death of one University of Tokyo student | ||
| June 23 | Exchange of ratification paper for new Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and entering into force of the new treaty; announcement by Prime Minister KISHI to resign | ||
| July 15 | Resignation of KISHI Nobusuke Cabinet | ||
| July 19 | Inauguration of first IKEDA Hayato Cabinet | ||
| October 12 | Assassination of Japan Socialist Party Chairman ASANUMA Inejiro at Hibiya Public Hall | Comments that Japan Socialist Party Chairman ASANUMA made in Osaka | |
| December 27 | Government's adoption of plan to double people's incomes | ||
Showa 36 (1961) |
February 5 | Adoption by Japan Socialist Party of new policy seeking structural reform | |
| July 18 | Reshuffle of IKEDA Cabinet | ||
| September 25 | Convening of 39th extraordinary Diet session | Manuscript of Prime Minister IKEDA's keynote speech (economic portion) |