Both Japans government in 1920s and 1930s had similarity

and difference in several ways such as political, economic,

social, diplomatic, cultural and ideological.
Firstly, in 1920s, in political way, Japans Minister Government
advocated party rule. The government has political system
with constitutional monarchy. It formed from Diet, Cabinet with
elections. This could increase the efficiency on controlling and
managing the countries. In the early 1920s, Hara Kei became
the first commoner to be appointed as Prime Minister of Japan.
All posts in his cabinet were filled by party member. Japan was
then entered an era of party rule. This could increase the pace
of the development.
In 1930s, in political way, Japans government in 1930s
advocated militarism. As the militarists thought that
democracy could never make Japan powerful, Japan was then
turned into a more powerful totalitarian government and
dictatorship was adopted. All series of coups and
assassinations were done to suppress the opinion of all parties.
The government was controlled by militarists like the Cabinet
and the Diet. The Diet lost its power and became only a rubber
stamp that supported every decision of the military. The
military had supreme power and they completely controlled
the government. They held political, economic and diplomatic
power in their hands. Political instability was resulted. This
reduces the efficiency on controlling and managing the
countries and reduces the pace of developments of Japan.
Secondly, in 1920s, in social aspect, Japans government gave
freedom to citizens like the speech, assembly, the press and
the religion. For example, different political ideas like
democracy were promoted in newspaper and magazines. The
wealth could vote and it extended to all men in 1925. The
lower house of Diet, members of House of Peer were voted by
people. The educational system was built up with university,
primary and secondary school. Furthermore, urbanization
occurred at that time. Many farmers went to the city to find
good jobs. All above can enhance the living standard of
citizens. Citizen would likely to support the Japans government
more. This could lead to a better environment for Japan to
develop.
In 1930s, in social way, Japans government adopted
dictatorship. The militarists emphasized on loyalty and

obedience. Since the government was controlled by the

militarists, there was no freedom of voting. Citizens didnt have
the rights to express their opinions against the government.
Citizens had no rights to consume electricity and luxury goods
such as electrics fans and radios were banned. This lowered
the living standard of citizens and less supports from citizens
toward the government. This could badly affect the
atmosphere for the government to develop. This reflected that
the military government has tight control on the people.
Thirdly, in 1920s, in diplomatic way, Japans government had
good relations with western democratic countries. In 19211922, Washington Conference, disarmament conference were
held. Japan discussed with western democratic countries like
US, Britain. The post-war problems were discussed. In 1925,
Japan became the permanent member of the council in the
League of Nation which was composed nearly by western
democratic countries like Britain and France. This proved the
international status of Japan increased and it became the world
power. The reputation of Japan increases and being respected
by other western countries. This benefited the development of
Japan. It moved closer to democratic western countries.
In 1930s, in diplomatic way, Japans government preserves
friendly relationships with other totalitarian countries in Europe
but having a bad relationship with democratic counties. Since
Japan adopted militarism, Japan moved close to Germany and
Italy, two totalitarian countries, because of their similar
ideologies. In 1936, Japan and Germany signed the AntiComintern Pact, which joined by Italy a year later. Japan
withdrew the League of Nations in 1931-1933 but formed the
Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis.
This established an image of violent, aggressive and ambitious.
Japan was regarded as a threat to other western counties and
received less respect from other countries. This reduces the
trading among Japan and others and affected the development
of Japan. It moved further from western democratic countries
and move closer to totalitarian countries.
Despite having different features above, Japan in 1920s and
1930s had the similarity.
In cultural way, in 1920s, Japans government owned the
western culture. In clothing, both men and women wore
Western-style clothing. American fast food in Japan was

popular. E.g., suits, Western pop songs, comics and movies

were widely accepted instead of some traditional cultures such
as tea ceremony. Government buildings were built in a western
style. People sat on chair instead of mat. This could increase
the race spirit, unity and belongings of citizens. This could lead
to a better environment for Japan to develop. This reflected
western culture had popular acceptance in Japan.
In 1930s, Japans government also adopted western culture, in
clothing; both men and women wore Western-style clothing.
American fast food in Japan was popular. Western pop songs,
comics and movies were widely accepted instead of some
traditional cultures such as tea ceremony. This could increase
the race spirit, unity and belongings of citizens. This could lead
to a better environment for Japan to develop. Same as the
situation in 1920s, Japan adopted culture and even to a larger
extend.
In economic way, in 1920s, Japans economy was bad and it
could only relied on his own to develop his economy. It was
affected by wars such as the Russo-Japanese war. Japanese
good were boycotted by Chinese people. The foreign trade was
then not prospering. Many bands went bankrupt because of
the Great Depression in 1929. Thus, Japans government could
only rely on its own to improve the economy. It expanded
productions of military goods like vehicles and planes.
Economics boom was resulted, many factories were built too.
Yet, tax in Japan increased which led to hyperinflation. This
affected the environment for Japan to develop.
Also, Japan developed western industry. There were more than
8000 enterprises, of which about 3700 used machinery in their
production. The industries were mainly focus on the production
of steel and iron.
In 1930s, Japans government was bad too and it could only
rely on his own to develop his economy. Others countries
practiced economic protectionism on Japan and its export
reduced 50%. Thus, Japans government could only rely on its
own to improve the economy. It expanded productions of
military goods like vehicles and planes. Economics boom was
resulted, many factories were built too. Yet, tax in Japan
increased which led to hyperinflation. This affected the
environment for Japan to develop.
Also, Japan adopted the same economics method to develop

itself. It developed western industry and use of machine. In

1930s, Japanese government expanded the production of
military goods, creating a military boom. A large amount of
military vehicles, planes and chemicals products. These type of
productions related on machinery. As seen, Japan developed a
wider range of machinery development in 1930s. This
economics method could benefit its own growth and earn more
profits for further development.
In ideological way, in 1920s, Japans government treated the
emperor as god. Japans government suppressed any ideas
that threatened the emperor. Yet, this could increase the unity
of the countries and increase the effectiveness on imposing
some policies.
Also, the government adopted thought control on people.
Shintaoism, obedience, loyalty were introduced. They required
people in visit Shrines. People had to obey the rule of emperor.
They scarified themselves for the emperor.
In 1930s, Japan still preserves the idea of treating the emperor
as god. Japans government suppressed any ideas that
threatened the emperor. Yet, this could lead to many
assassinations in society. This could lead to deep
discontentment.
Also, the government still adopted thought control on people.
Japan natured people on loyalty and obedience. Japanese were
required to die for the country and regarded individual
interests unimportant.
To conclude, Both Japans governments in 1920s and 1930s
have the same ways in developing Japans economy, ideology
and culture while having a different ways in developing
policies, society, and relations with other foreign countries.