People's Republic of Japan 日本人民共和国 | ||||||
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Anthem Intānashonaru ("The Internationale") | ||||||
Territory controlled by the People's Republic of Japan shown in dark green; territory claimed but not controlled shown in light green
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Capital | Tokyo | |||||
Languages | Japanese | |||||
Religion | Shinto, Buddhism | |||||
Government | Unitary Marxist-Leninist one-party socialist government | |||||
Head of State | ||||||
- | 1931–1933 | Sakai Toshihiko | ||||
- | 1933–1953 | Kyuichi Tokuda | ||||
- | 1953–1975 | Sanzō Nosaka | ||||
Prime Minister | ||||||
- | 1931–1953 (first) | Kyuichi Tokuda | ||||
- | 1959–1982 (last) | Kenji Miyamoto | ||||
Legislature | People's Diet | |||||
History | ||||||
- | Established | 3 November 1931 | ||||
- | Overthrown | 23 August 1982 |
The People's Republic of Japan (日本人民共和国 Nihon Jinmin Kyōwakoku) was a communist Japanese state from 1931 until its dissolution in 1982, bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east and south, the Sea of Japan on the west and the Sea of Okhotsk on the north.
The Japanese Communist Party - then lead by Sakai Toshihiko - took power in a revolution in 1931, which exiled the monarchy into Hokkaido. The government then set about a policy of communisation and censorship similar to Joseph Stalin's Soviet Union. During the Cold War, Japan aligned itself with the Soviet Union. In 1982, a revolution took place as communism was collapsing in the world, overthrowing the People's Republic and establishing a provisional republic until the restoration of the monarchy a year later.
Politics and hierarchy[]
History[]
Revolution (1926-1931)[]
In the aftermath of the Anglo-American War, Japan became politically unstable, as a struggle for leadership took place with far-right politician Tōyama Mitsuru ultimately seizing the premiership in 1928. A massive economic crisis took place, and only worsened when the Great Depression struck the world in 1929. As a result of massive instability, the Soviet Union took the opportunity to spread the ideas of communism throughout Japan. The Japanese Communist Party gained popularity throughout the late 1920s and early '30s, as the ideas of Marxism became generally favoured.
In late 1930, due to the growing rise of communism in Japan, the Japanese government passed a law that banned all far-left political parties. This was condemned by the Communist Party, who claimed that it was a move by the government to "censor the workers". In the 1931 general election, leader Sakai Toshihiko ran for the position of prime minister but failed to secure a victory. Toshihiko claimed that the election was rigged and that the communists were favoured. They began planning for a coup and garnered up support.
On 3 November 1931, the party - along with a lot of support - stormed through Tokyo, protesting and chanting "帝国主義ノー - 社会主義イエス!" ("Imperialism no - Socialism yes!"). When Mitsuru was informed of the protests, he ordered the police to use force against the protestors. However, that only angered the ralliers, who then ultimately began trashing Tokyo - military force was allowed by Mitsuru. However, due to not wanting to kill their own citizens, a majority of the military sided with the protestors and communist party, resulting in the slow collapse of the Japanese government. Upon the advice of Emperor Hirohito, Mitsuru announced the escape of the government from mainland Japan into Hokkaido, where it was believed to be strategically important.
Early years (1931-1947)[]
Late years[]
Tokyo hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics from 10 to 24 October, while Innsbruck, Danubia had hosted the Winter Olympics that same year from 29 January to 9 February. Those were the only Olympic Games hosted in socialist countries during the Cold War era.
Media[]
The country had its own state television station, the Japan State Channel, which aired a great variety of shows. One of its most famous productions in the West is the anime Marukusu.
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