117-496: Itō Hirobumi ( 伊藤 博文 , 16 October 1841 – 26 October 1909) was a Japanese politician who served as the first prime minister of Japan from 1885 to 1888, and subsequently from 1892 to 1896, in 1898, and from 1900 to 1901. He was a leading member of the genrō , a group of senior statesmen that dictated policy during the Meiji era . Even out of office as head of government , Itō continued to wield vast influence over Japan's policies as
234-616: A government in exile abroad, but was unsuccessful each time. Korea formally became a Japanese colony in 1910, and the Korean imperial family was formally absorbed into the Japanese. Gojong died on 21 January 1919, in his palace, in conditions that were then and are still seen in Korea as suspicious. The official cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage but rumors persisted that Gojong had been poisoned by Japan [ ko ] . His death
351-454: A Chinese-inspired legal system known as ritsuryō was enacted in the late Asuka period and early Nara period . It described a government based on an elaborate and rational meritocratic bureaucracy, serving, in theory, under the ultimate authority of the emperor ; although in practice, real power was often held elsewhere, such as in the hands of the Fujiwara clan , who intermarried with
468-646: A ceremony at the newly constructed altar Hwangudan . The name of the state was also changed to the Great Korean Empire , and a new era name Gwangmu ( 광무 ; 光武 ; lit. shining and martial) was declared. This was a symbolic gesture to mark the end of Qing's suzerainty over Korea. That same day, Gojong appointed Sunjong as the Imperial Crown Prince. When the Daewongun died in 1898, Emperor Gwangmu refused to attend
585-467: A drawn sword (李秉武拔劒威嚇)." "Yi Wan-yong drew his sword and shouted in a rough voice, 'Do you not understand what kind of world we are in right now?' People around tried to stab Yi Wan-yong with a sword, but the Emperor eventually waved him off and said, 'In that case, it would be better to step down first.'" Yi Wan-yong and others withdrew. The overnight council meeting ended at 5 a.m. The attendants entered
702-648: A lifelong friend. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Itō was appointed governor of Hyōgo Prefecture , junior councilor for Foreign Affairs, and sent to the United States in 1870 to study Western currency systems. Returning to Japan in 1871, he established Japan's taxation system. With the advice of Edmund Morel , a chief engineer of the railway department, Itō endeavored to found the Public Works together with Yamao Yozo . Later that year, he
819-491: A low-ranking samurai family. He joined the nationalist sonnō jōi movement after the opening of Japan in 1854, and in 1863 was sent to England to study at University College London . After the Shimonoseki campaign of 1864, in which four Western powers bombed Chōshū, he resolved to set Japan on a path of Westernization. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Itō was appointed the junior councilor for foreign affairs in
936-455: A permanent imperial adviser ( genkun ) and frequent president of the emperor's Privy Council . A staunch monarchist and leading proponent of Japan's Westernization , Itō favored a large, all-powerful bureaucracy that answered solely to the emperor, and opposed the formation of political parties . Born into a poor farming family in the Chōshū Domain , Itō and his father were adopted into
1053-571: A policy that led directly to the French and the United States ' expeditions to Korea, in 1866 and 1871 respectively. The early years of the Daewongun's rule also witnessed a concerted effort to restore the largely dilapidated Gyeongbokgung , the seat of royal authority. During this time, the Seowon (private academies that often doubled as epicenters of factional power), and the power wielded by
1170-506: A pro-government political party, so he organized the Rikken Seiyūkai (Constitutional Association of Political Friendship) in 1900. Itō's womanizing was a popular theme in editorial cartoons and in parodies by contemporary comedians, and was used by his political enemies in their campaign against him. Itō returned to office as prime minister for a fourth term from 19 October 1900, to 10 May 1901, this time facing political opposition from
1287-746: A salary for 13 months. The tattered army was finally paid one month's salary. Enraged, the old army sparked a riot, and the Daewongun seized power. When the Imo Incident happened, Queen Min requested the Qing Empire for military support. On 27 June 1882, the Qing deployed about 3,000 soldiers in Seoul. They kidnapped the Daewongun on 7 July 1882, which led the Min family to regain political power. During
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#17327979723911404-542: A supra-cabinet Privy Council to discuss and approve it on the emperor's behalf. He resigned as prime minister so he could head this new body. The Meiji Constitution was proclaimed in 1889, and the Imperial Diet was first assembled in 1890. From 1892 to 1896, Itō was again prime minister. During his term, Japan defeated China in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895, and he was involved in
1521-615: Is 'Prime Minister'. This English translation was informally used as the English translation of 'Grand Minister' before the introduction of the cabinet system. However, this was not the original English translation of 'Prime Minister', and a German translation, ' Minister President of the State' , was also used in the past. Before the adoption of the Meiji Constitution , Japan had in practice no written constitution . Originally,
1638-506: Is nominated by both houses of the Diet , before the conduct of any other business. For that purpose, each conducts a ballot under the run-off system. If the two houses choose different individuals, then a joint committee of both houses is appointed to agree on a common nominee. Ultimately, however, if the two houses do not agree, the decision of the House of Representatives is deemed to be that of
1755-645: Is the head of government of Japan . The prime minister chairs the Cabinet of Japan and has the ability to select and dismiss its ministers of state. The prime minister also serves as the commander-in-chief of the Japan Self Defence Forces and is a sitting member of either house of the National Diet (typically the House of Representatives ). The emperor appoints as prime minister
1872-517: The de facto leader of the Meiji oligarchy . After the advent of the Freedom and People's Rights Movement and political parties, in 1881 Itō promised a constitution and national assembly. In 1882, he embarked on a trip to Europe to study its constitutions; his preference was for a Prussian-style one which would retain considerable power for the emperor and limit party involvement in the cabinet. He replaced religious references with those rooted in
1989-470: The Andong Kim clan in particular were dismantled. Finally in 1873, Gojong announced the assumption of his direct royal rule. In November 1874, with the retirement of the Daewongun, Gojong's consort, Queen Min (posthumously known as Empress Myeongseong ) and Yeoheung Min clan , gained complete control over the court, filling senior court positions with members of her family. It was an open secret that
2106-454: The DPJ -led cabinets, Kan and Noda Cabinets after the 2010 upper house election ; cf. Nejire Kokkai /"twisted Diets"). Unlike most of his counterparts in constitutional monarchies, the prime minister is both de jure and de facto chief executive. In most other constitutional monarchies, the monarch is at least nominal chief executive, while being bound by convention to act on the advice of
2223-642: The First Sino-Japanese War and negotiated the Treaty of Shimonoseki in March 1895, made Taiwan a Japanese colony with his ailing foreign minister Mutsu Munemitsu . In the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of 1894, he succeeded in removing some of the onerous unequal treaty clauses that had plagued Japanese foreign relations since the start of the Meiji era . During Itō's third term as prime minister (12 January – 30 June 1898), he
2340-540: The Gwangmu Emperor ( 광무제 ; 光武帝 ), was the penultimate Korean monarch . He ruled Korea for 43 years, from 1864 to 1907, first as the last king of Joseon , and then as the first emperor of the Korean Empire from 1897 until his forced abdication in 1907. His wife, Queen Min (posthumously honored as Empress Myeongseong ), played an active role in politics until her assassination carried out by
2457-546: The Hata Cabinet in 1994 and at least numerically the Second Hashimoto Cabinet of 1996 during its first year, but with an extra-cabinet cooperation (閣外協力, kakugai kyōryoku ) agreement with two parties, sufficient to ensure safe majorities for most government initiatives), and several cabinets with a majority in the House of Representatives, but without legislative majority of their own (most recently
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#17327979723912574-587: The Heian period and until briefly under the Meiji Constitution with the appointment of Sanjō Sanetomi in 1871. The office was replaced in 1885 with the appointment of Itō Hirobumi to the new position of Minister President of State, four years before the enactment of the Meiji Constitution, which mentions neither the Cabinet nor the position of Prime Minister explicitly. It took its current form with
2691-545: The House of Peers . Weary of political back-stabbing, he resigned in 1901, but remained as head of the Privy Council as the premiership alternated between Saionji Kinmochi and Katsura Tarō . Toward the end of August 1901, Itō announced his intention of visiting the United States to recuperate. This turned into a long journey in the course of which he visited the major cities of the United States and Europe . He set off from Yokohama on 18 September, traveled through
2808-596: The Japan–Korea Protectorate Treaty , which would make Korea a Japanese protectorate . On 15 November 1905, he ordered Japanese troops to encircle the Korean imperial palace . On 17 November 1905, Itō and Japanese Field Marshal Hasegawa Yoshimichi entered the Jungmyeongjeon Hall, a Russian-designed building that was once part of Deoksu Palace , to persuade Gojong to approve the treaty, but
2925-515: The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905 , signed by five ministers of Korea . Gojong refused to sign it and made attempts to bring the treaty to the attention of the international community and convince leading powers of the treaty's illegitimacy, but to no avail. Gojong was forced to abdicate by Japan on 20 July 1907, and was replaced by his son, Yi Cheok . He was then confined to the palace Deoksugung . He made multiple attempts to escape and establish
3042-729: The Jinwidae . In 1901, about 44 percent of the Empire's total revenue was used for the military. Gojong also attempted to establish ties with other countries. For example, Yi Han-eung was sent to London in 1901 as the acting diplomatic minister to the United Kingdom. But Great Britain rebuffed Yi's overtures, and established the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in 1902. Yi killed himself in protest in May 1905. On 2 July 1907,
3159-717: The Prime Minister's Trophy on behalf of the Japan Professional Sports Association and the Monodzukuri Nippon award on behalf of the Japanese Manufacturing Association. Gojong of Korea Gojong ( Korean : 고종 ; Hanja : 高宗 ; 8 September 1852 – 21 January 1919), personal name Yi Myeongbok ( 이명복 ; 李命福 ), later Yi Hui ( 이희 ; 李㷩 ), also known as
3276-534: The Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, Itō became the resident-general of Korea , a nation which Japan desired to annex. Korea was declared a Japanese protectorate in 1905, and in 1907 Itō obliged its emperor to step down. Itō was made a prince that year and resigned as resident-general in 1909; later that year, he was assassinated while in Manchuria by a Korean nationalist . Hayashi Risuke ( 林利助 )
3393-534: The Treaty of Shimonoseki , which annexed Taiwan to the empire and freed Korea from the Chinese tributary system . During Itō’s third term as prime minister in 1898, his tax policies were opposed by political parties and he soon resigned. In 1900, he started his fourth term and formed his own pro-government party, the Rikken Seiyūkai , but continued to face opposition, and resigned in 1901. After Japan's victory in
3510-510: The emperor at the Tokyo Imperial Palace . Conventionally, the prime minister is almost always the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives, or the leader of the senior partner in the governing coalition. But there have been three cabinet prime ministers from junior coalition partners ( Hitoshi Ashida : 1948, Morihiro Hosokawa : 1993 and Tomiichi Murayama : 1994), a few minority governments (most recently
3627-615: The imperial family in the Heian period , or by the ruling shōgun . Theoretically, the last ritsuryō code, the Yōrō Code enacted in 752, was still in force at the time of the Meiji Restoration . Under this system, the Daijō-daijin ( 太政大臣 , Chancellor of the Realm) was the head of the Daijō-kan (Department of State), the highest organ of Japan's pre-modern Imperial government during
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3744-516: The 1884 Gapsin Coup , the 1894–1895 Donghak Peasant Rebellion , and the 1895 assassination of his wife occurred during his reign. All of these incidents were related to or involved foreign powers. All the while, Gojong attempted to consolidate control, seek foreign support, and modernize the country in order to keep Korea independent. He initiated the Gwangmu Reform , which sought to improve
3861-532: The 6th, Song Byeong-jun , a Minister of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry, made a demand to Emperor Gojong. "Either go to Japan yourself and apologize to the Emperor, or apologize to General Hasegawa in front of the Daehan Gate." According to Japanese records, the former council meeting on this day lasted for two hours, during which the Prime Minister instead made a declaration of war and threatened
3978-469: The Crown Prince as Field Marshal on 29 June 1898. On 2 July 1898, Gojong assumed full control over the army. A Board of Marshals was established on 1 August 1899, which Gojong used to further his control. In 1899, he bought weapons from various countries and sent many cadets to Imperial Japanese Army Academy . Meanwhile, he continued expanding the military. By July 1900, there were 17,000 men of
4095-455: The Diet. If the House of Councillors does not make a nomination within 10 days of the House of Representatives' nomination, the House of Representatives' nomination becomes the Diet's decision. Therefore, the House of Representatives can theoretically ensure the appointment of any prime minister it wants. The nominee is then presented with his or her commission, and formally appointed to office by
4212-785: The Donghak movement and succeeded by various Korean independence movements . Pro-Japanese government grew, while anti-Japanese politicians were either killed or fled for their survival after the Chun Sang Door Incident in 1895. Gojong perceived the need for refuge. On 11 February 1896, King Gojong and his crown prince fled from the Gyeongbokgung to the Russian legation in Seoul , from where they governed for about one year, an event known as Gojong's internal exile to
4329-814: The Emperor in 1899) and the Second Class honor (in 1907) in the Orders of the Rising Sun . He later wrote a book on his personal experiences in Korea and with Resident-General Itō. When Ladd died, half his ashes were buried in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo and a monument was erected to him. On 9 November 1905, following the Russo-Japanese War, Itō arrived in Hanseong and gave a letter from the Emperor of Japan to Gojong , Emperor of Korea, asking him to sign
4446-470: The Emperor refused. Itō then pressured the Emperor's ministers with the implied, and later stated, threat of bodily harm, to sign the treaty. Five ministers signed an agreement that had been prepared by Itō in the Jungmyeongjeon. The agreement gave Imperial Japan complete responsibility for Korea's foreign affairs, and placed all trade through Korean ports under Imperial Japanese supervision. After
4563-604: The Emperor's abdication at 8 p.m. The area outside Gyeongun Palace was surrounded by the pro-Japanese organization Iljinhoe , led by Song Byeong-jun . The Emperor requested more time (帝答之以思數日而下批). The meeting, which ended at 10 p.m., resumed at 1 a.m. the next morning. The details of this meeting are recorded in "Maechen Yarok" by Hwang Hyeon and "Daehan Gye-nyeon-sa" (A History of Late Korean Empire) written by Jung Gyo. "Wan-yong and seven others entered. The Emperor refused (to abdicate). Wan-yong and Byeong-jun used disrespectful language countless times. Lee Byeong-mu threatened with
4680-678: The Emperor, while the Minister of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry pressured him to apologize in front of the palace. On 16 July, the pro-Japanese cabinet met with the Emperor and demanded that he sign the Eulsa Treaty as a measure to stabilize the country, apologize to the Japanese Emperor, and abdicate the throne. Gojong refused. On 17 July, Seoul was in turmoil. Wall posters appeared in Jongno and other places, saying, "Look at
4797-529: The Imjin War! Is it the result of the Queen's execution incident?" "The Japanese aggression is unstoppable and imminent." The cabinet once again demanded the Emperor's abdication. An enraged Gojong once again refused. On 18 July, a cabinet meeting lasted for two hours at Yi Wan-yong 's residence. The agenda was the Emperor's abdication. The lackeys who received orders from Resident-General Ito Hirobumi announced
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4914-703: The Imo incident when Queen Min was taking refuge in her relative's villa, Lady Seon-yeong of the Yeongwol Eom clan showed extreme devotion towards King Gojong. He rewarded her fealty by promoting her to the rank of Jimil Sanggung (5th senior rank of Women of the Internal Court ). On 4 December 1884, five revolutionaries attempted a coup d'état by leading a small anti-old minister army to detain King Gojong and Queen Min. These revolutionaries tried to remove
5031-718: The Imperial Japanese Government. The house where Itō lived from age 14 in Hagi after his father was adopted by Itō Naoemon still exists, and is preserved as a museum. It is a one-story house with a thatched roof and a gabled roof, with a total floor area of 29 tsubo and is located 150 meters south of the Shōkasonjuku Academy . The adjacent villa is a portion of a house built by Itō in 1907 in Oimura, Shimoebara-gun, Tokyo (currently Shinagawa, Tokyo ). It
5148-407: The Japanese . Gojong oversaw the bulk of the Korean monarchy's final years. He was born into the ruling House of Yi , and was first crowned on 13 December 1863 at the age of twelve. His biological father, Grand Internal Prince Heungseon (widely known as Heungseon Daewongun ), acted as regent until he reached the age of majority , although he continued holding power until 1874. At this time, Korea
5265-502: The Japanese Misplaced Pages article Prime minister of Japan Naruhito [REDACTED] Fumihito [REDACTED] Shigeru Ishiba ( LDP ) Second Ishiba Cabinet ( LDP – Komeito coalition ) [REDACTED] [REDACTED] Fukushiro Nukaga Kōichirō Genba [REDACTED] Masakazu Sekiguchi Hiroyuki Nagahama Saburo Tokura Kazuo Ueda The prime minister of Japan ( Japanese : 内閣総理大臣 , Hepburn : Naikaku Sōri-Daijin )
5382-423: The Japanese concept of kokutai ("national polity"), which became the constitutional justification for imperial authority. In 1884, Itō reorganized the peerage to fill the seats in the anticipated House of Peers . In 1885, he replaced the Daijō-kan with a cabinet composed of ministry heads, and himself took up the new position of prime minister. When the draft constitution was ready in 1888, Itō established
5499-516: The Japanese government maintains two Boeing 777 , which replaced the Boeing 747-400 also in 2019. The aircraft is also used by the emperor , the members of the imperial family, and other high-ranking officials. They have the radio callsigns Japanese Air Force One and Japanese Air Force Two when operating on official business, and Cygnus One and Cygnus Two when operating outside of official business (e.g., on training flights). The aircraft always fly together on government missions, with one serving as
5616-441: The Japanese". Itō left empty-handed for Berlin (where he received honors from Kaiser Wilhelm ), Brussels , and London. Meanwhile, Katsura had decided that Man-Kan kōkan was no longer desirable for Japan, which should not renounce activity in Manchuria. In Britain, Itō met with Lord Lansdowne , which helped lay the groundwork for the Anglo-Japanese Alliance announced early the following year. The failure of his mission to Russia
5733-493: The Japanese, a trend exacerbated by the arrest or execution of those who resisted. An Jung-geun was also a proponent of what was later called Pan-Asianism. He believed in a union of the three East Asian nations to repel Western imperialism and restore peace in the region. On 26 October 1932, the Japanese unveiled in Seoul the Hakubun-ji 博文寺 Buddhist Temple dedicated to Prince Itō. Full official name "Prince Itō Memorial Temple (伊藤公爵祈念寺院)". Situated in then Susumu Tadashidan Park on
5850-412: The Joseon government shared that belief and agreed to collaborate with the Japanese military. Korean intellectuals had predicted that the victor of the Russo-Japanese War would assume hegemony over their peninsula, and as an Asian power, Japan enjoyed greater public support in Korea than Russia. However, policies such as land confiscation and the drafting of forced labor turned Korean popular opinion against
5967-473: The Korean government. The Gabo reforms and the assassination of the queen stirred controversy in Korea, fomenting Korean anti-Japanese sentiment . Gojong's antipathy toward the Japanese intensified, and he turned to Russia as an ally by signing Russia–Korea Treaty of 1884 . He sent many emissaries to Russian Empire. Some Confucian scholars, as well as peasants, formed over 60 successive righteous armies to fight for Korean freedom. These armies were preceded by
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#17327979723916084-499: The Minister of Military tried to abdicate Gojong. Ahn was executed for conspiracy on 28 May 1900. Second, on 12 September 1898, Kim Hong-rok tried to assassinate Gojong with by instilling poison in Gojong's coffee. In 1904, some Korean students in Japan tried to make Gojong abdicate, and make Prince Imperial Ui the emperor. Gojong was acutely aware of Korea's, and especially its army's, need to modernize. Min Young-hwan brought on Russian instructors that were tasked with modernizing
6201-484: The Qing army from Korea. The Gapsin Coup failed after 3 days. Some of its leaders, including Kim Okgyun , fled to Japan, and others were executed. While suppressing this coup, Gojong actively invited Qing only to increase the Yuan Shikai 's influence over Korea. Yet Gojong did try to maintain the independence of his nation. The Chinese even considered abdicating Gojong for consolidation of Qing influence in Korea. For Gojong, he believed that relying on to stronger powers
6318-413: The Russian legation in Seoul, Gojong proclaimed the establishment of the independent Korean Empire , and became its first emperor. Gojong's actions drew the ire of Japan. After Japan defeated Russia in the 1904–1905 Russo-Japanese War , it finally became the sole power in the region, and accelerated its pace of absorbing Korea. Two months after the victory, Korea under Gojong lost diplomatic sovereignty in
6435-431: The Russian legation . Because of staying in the Russian legation many concessions of Korea were taken by Russia. Gojong sent Min Young-hwan to the coronation of Nicholas II of Russia . Min returned to Korea in October 1896 with Russian Army instructors. These instructors were able to train guards which enabled Gojong to return to palace in February 1897. On 13 October 1897, Gojong declared himself Emperor of Korea in
6552-421: The U.S. to New York City , and received an honorary doctorate ( LL.D. ) from Yale University in late October. He then sailed to Boulogne , reaching Paris on 4 November. On 25 November, he reached Saint Petersburg , having been asked by the new prime minister, Katsura Tarō, to sound out the Russians, entirely unofficially, on their intentions in the Far East. Japan hoped to achieve what it called Man-Kan kōkan ,
6669-500: The adoption of the Constitution of Japan in 1947. To date, sixty-five men have served this position. The longest-serving prime minister to date is Shinzo Abe , who served in non-consecutive two terms for 8 years, 267 days: from 26 September 2006 until 26 September 2007, and from 26 December 2012 until 16 September 2020. The shortest-serving prime minister to date is Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni , who served for fifty-four days: from 17 August until 9 October 1945. The prime minister
6786-403: The army. Gojong was pleased with their work. In March 1898, the Russian instructors departed, and Gojong ordered the Ministry of Military to take over. By the request of the Minister of Military, Yi Jong-geon , a military academy was established in April 1898. In order to command both the army and navy, Gojong appointed himself as the Grand Field Marshal of the Imperial Korean Armed Forces and
6903-436: The beginning of Japanese imperialist expansion in East Asia. These events were the roots of Gojong's antipathy to the Japanese Empire. The Treaty of Ganghwa became the first unequal treaty signed between Korea and a foreign country; it gave extraterritorial rights to Japanese citizens in Korea and forced the Korean government to open three ports, Busan , Chemulpo (Incheon), and Wonsan , to Japanese and foreign trade. With
7020-404: The bounds of cabinet collective responsibility , the Japanese Cabinet is effectively an extension of the prime minister's authority. Located near the Diet building, the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan is called the Naikaku Sōri Daijin Kantei ( 内閣総理大臣官邸 ) . The original Kantei served from 1929 until 2002, when a new building was inaugurated to serve as the current Kantei. The old Kantei
7137-410: The cabinet. In contrast, the Constitution of Japan explicitly vests executive power in the Cabinet, of which the prime minister is the leader; this greatly enhances the prime minister's position compared to prime ministers in other parliamentary democracies. His countersignature is required for all laws and Cabinet orders. While most ministers in parliamentary democracies have some freedom of action within
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#17327979723917254-449: The chest. He died shortly thereafter. His body was returned to Japan on the Imperial Japanese Navy cruiser Akitsushima , and he was accorded a state funeral on 4 November 1909 at Hibiya Park. An Jung-geun later listed " 15 reasons why Itō should be killed" at his trial. On 14 February 1910, Ahn was sentenced to death by hanging, Yu to two years in prison, and Cao and Liu to one year and six months in prison for murder and crimes against
7371-453: The court and its policy were controlled by the queen consort. Gojong tried to strengthen the king's authority by giving important positions to consort kins and royal family members. It is known that Min Young-hwan , who was a distant relative of Queen Min, was Gojong's favorite official. In the 19th century, tensions mounted between Qing China and Imperial Japan , culminating in the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894–1895. Much of this war
7488-400: The exchange of a free hand for Russia in Manchuria for a free hand for Japan in Korea, but Russia, feeling greatly superior to Japan and unwilling to give up the use of Korean ports for its navy, was in no mood to compromise. Foreign minister Vladimir Lamsdorf "thought that time was on the side of his country because of the [Trans-Siberian] railway and there was no need to make concessions to
7605-400: The experience in Great Britain eventually convinced him Japan needed to adopt Western ways. In 1864, Itō returned to Japan with fellow student Inoue Kaoru to attempt to warn Chōshū Domain against going to war with the foreign powers (the Bombardment of Shimonoseki ) over the right of passage through the Straits of Shimonoseki . At that time, he met Ernest Satow for the first time, later
7722-400: The family was poor, when Risuke was 12, Jūzō was adopted by samurai servant Mizui Buhē. In 1854, Mizui Buhē was adopted by samurai foot soldier ( ashigaru ) Itō Yaemon from Aihata, Saba . Mizui Buhē was renamed Itō Naoemon, Jūzō took the name Itō Jūzō, and Hayashi Risuke was renamed Itō Shunsuke at first, then Itō Hirobumi. These adoptions allowed both Hirobumi and his father Jūzō to rise to
7839-455: The first Imperial Household Law and established the Japanese peerage system ( kazoku ) in 1884. In 1885, he negotiated the Convention of Tientsin with Li Hongzhang , normalizing Japan's diplomatic relations with Qing-dynasty China. In the same year, In 1885, Itō established a cabinet system of government based on European ideas, replacing the Daijō-kan as the nation's main policy-making organization. On 22 December 1885, Itō became
7956-412: The first Prime Minister of Japan , as the head of First Itō Cabinet . The first Itō Cabinet endeavored to establish institutions preparatory to the promulgation of the Constitution, and in February 1886 established a system of government for each ministry, and in March, the Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo) was established, and in March of the following year, a national academic association
8073-431: The first of whom was Itō Hirobumi taking office on 22 December 1885. The longest-serving prime minister was Shinzo Abe , who served over eight years, and the shortest-serving was Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni , who served fifty-four days. The current prime minister is Shigeru Ishiba , who succeeded Fumio Kishida on 1 October 2024, following the 2024 Liberal Democratic Party presidential election . In Japanese, due to
8190-410: The foremost advocates for Korea's annexation). His assassination is believed to have accelerated the path to the Japan–Korea Annexation Treaty . Itō arrived at the Harbin railway station on 26 October 1909 for a meeting with Vladimir Kokovtsov , a Russian representative in Manchuria . There An Jung-geun , a Korean nationalist and independence activist , fired six shots, three of which hit Itō in
8307-400: The former emperor praised Itō, who had died two days earlier, for his efforts to develop Japanese civilization in Korea. However, the integrity of Joseon silloks dated after the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905 is considered dubious by Korean scholars due to the influence exerted over record-keeping by the Japanese. Itō has been portrayed several times in Korean cinema . His assassination was
8424-557: The funeral of his father because of their poor relationship. But it was also reported that the emperor's cries could be heard when he looked over the palace wall. On 17 August 1899, Gojong enacted the Constitution of the Korean Empire [ ko ] , which granted him absolute power. Despite this, Gojong still entertained the possibility of establishing a constitutional monarchy . He discussed proposals proposed by
8541-410: The information about the dispatch of the envoys reached the ears of Resident-General Itō Hirobumi at the time. Ito was experienced. "If this envoy incident is based on a decree, it is believed to be a good opportunity to take decisive action regarding Korea. In other words, I believe it will be a good opportunity for us to have fiscal power, military power, or judicial power." On the previous day,
8658-532: The justification of the emperor's authority through his divine descent and the unbroken line of emperors, and the unique relationship between subject and sovereign. This stemmed from his rejection of some European notions as unfit for Japan, as they stemmed from European constitutional practice and Christianity. He remained a powerful force while Kuroda Kiyotaka and Yamagata Aritomo , his political nemeses, were prime ministers. During Itō's second term as prime minister (8 August 1892 – 31 August 1896), he supported
8775-431: The meeting hiding pistols in their bosoms. The Minister of Justice Jo Jung-eung [ ko ] cut off all external telephone lines. On that day, Gojong declared that he would pass the throne to his son. The abdication ceremony took place the next day, 20 July. Gojong personally chose the date and added, "Follow the temporary regulations (權停例)." The temporary regulations refer to a simplified ritual performed by
8892-466: The military was Prime Minister Yi Wan-yong, and the Minister of Defense, Yi Byeong-mu. On 19 July, when Emperor Gojong was being threatened, the royal guard unit, which was the palace guard, attempted to enter Gyeongun Palace. "Yi Byeong-mu ordered General Jung Wi-jae, the commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Regiment of the Capital Guards, to bring in 70 palace guards stationed outside
9009-517: The military, industry, and education, to some amount of success. These reforms were seen as insufficient by some parts of the Korean literati, especially the Independence Club , which Gojong at first tolerated but eventually abolished in 1898. After Japan defeated China in the 1894–1895 First Sino-Japanese War , China lost its suzerainty over Korea, which it had held for centuries. In 1897, shortly after returning from his internal exile in
9126-496: The monarch without sitting on the throne. The Emperor's abdication ceremony took place without the presence of Gojong or Sunjong. The essential element for depriving of ruling power is the deprivation of military power. Yi Byeong-mu , who drew a sword against King Gojong and led the military's neutralization under the command of Ito, carried out the military disarmament. Four days later, the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1907
9243-603: The movement, he took part in an incendiary attack of the British legation on 31 January 1863 led by Takasugi Shinsaku , and in the company of Yamao Yōzō attacked and mortally wounded the head of the Wagakukōdansho institute on 2 February 1863, believing a false report that the institute was looking into ways of toppling the Emperor. Itō was chosen as one of the Chōshū Five who studied at University College London in 1863, and
9360-466: The new Empire of Japan . In 1870, he traveled to the United States to study Western currency, and in 1871 helped establish Japan's taxation system. He then set off on another overseas trip with the Iwakura Mission to the U.S. and Europe, and upon his return to Japan in 1873, became a full councilor and public works minister. Itō also served as home minister from 1878, and by 1881 he had become
9477-504: The next King. Yi became Prince Ik-seon, shortly before his coronation. He entered the palace on 9 December 1863, and his father and mother were ennobled. On 13 December 1863, Yi was crowned in Injeong gate of Changdeokgung . He was only twelve years old when he was crowned. Queen Sinjeong acted as regent until he became an adult. His father, Prince Heungseon Daewongun , assisted in the affairs of Queen Sinjeong's regency. In 1866, when
9594-532: The north slope of Namsan, which after liberation became Jangchungdan Park 장충단 공원. From October 1945, the main hall served as student home, ca. 1960 replaced by a guest house of the Park Chung-Hee administration, then reconstructed and again a student guest house. In 1979 it was incorporated into the grounds of the Shilla Hotel then opened. Several other parts of the temple are still at the site. From
9711-423: The palace. When Jung Wi-jae refused, Hanmyeong, the commander of the palace guards, drew his sword and shouted at the military dictatorship to resist. The palace guards, wearing civilian clothes and carrying bayonets, entered the palace." On that night, at that time, Yi Byeong-mu asked the Japanese for a favor, and if Jung Wi-jae continued to doubt him, he told him to take away his weapons. On 20 July 1907, Gojong
9828-506: The part of the prime minister (for example, Kiichi Miyazawa ). The Prime Minister also awards individuals in recognition of their accomplishments in sport, entertainment, and other fields. Some of the awards and commendations offered include the Prime Minister's Award, created by Eisaku Satō in 1966, and the People's Honour Award , created by Takeo Fukuda in 1977. Additionally, the PM also presents
9945-660: The person who is nominated by the National Diet (the parliament). The prime minister must retain the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office. The prime minister lives and works at the Naikaku Sōri Daijin Kantei (Prime Minister's Official Residence) in Nagatachō , Chiyoda , Tokyo , close to the National Diet Building . Sixty-five men have served as prime minister,
10062-419: The plot against her. A group of Japanese agents entered Gyeongbokgung in Seoul, which was under guard by Korean troops sympathetic to the Japanese, and the queen was killed in the palace. The queen had attempted to counter Japanese interference in Korea. She and her court were pro-Russian in the immediate run-up to the assassination. In 1895 Japan won the First Sino-Japanese War , expanding its influence over
10179-584: The plot was leaked and the revolution failed. Although the revolution ultimately failed, many of the peasants' grievances were later addressed with the Gabo Reform . One of the biggest reforms in 1894 was abolishing the slave (nobi) system , which had existed as far back as the Gojoseon period. In 1895, Queen Min , posthumously elevated to Empress Myeongseong, was assassinated by Japanese agents. The Japanese minister to Korea, Miura Gorō , orchestrated
10296-468: The post of Home Minister and secured a central position in the Meiji government. By 1881, he successfully pushed for the resignation of Ōkuma Shigenobu , thereby allowing him to emerge as the de facto leader of the Meiji government. Itō went to Europe in 1882 to study the constitutions of those countries, spending nearly 18 months away from Japan. While working on a constitution for Japan, he also wrote
10413-427: The primary transport and the other serving as a backup with maintenance personnel on board. The aircraft are officially referred to as Japanese government exclusive aircraft ( 日本国政府専用機 , Nippon-koku seifu sen'yōki ) . Until the mid-1930s, the prime minister of Japan was normally granted a hereditary peerage ( kazoku ) prior to leaving office if he had not already been ennobled. Titles were usually bestowed in
10530-481: The queen proclaimed the abolishment of the regency, Gojong's rule started. On 6 March 1866, Min Chi-rok 's daughter, Lady Min was selected as the new queen. Even though Gojong's father Daewongun had no rights to maintain the regency, he still acted as regent illegally. During the mid-1860s, the Daewongun was the main proponent of isolationism and was responsible for the persecution of native and foreign Catholics,
10647-418: The ranks of count , viscount or baron , depending on the relative accomplishments and status of the prime minister. The two highest ranks, marquess and prince , were only bestowed upon highly distinguished statesmen, and were not granted to a prime minister after 1928. The last prime minister who was a peer was Baron Kijūrō Shidehara , who served as Prime Minister from October 1945 to May 1946. The peerage
10764-561: The reformist Independence Club and Gaehwa Party . However, his reforms were seen as insufficient by members of the Independence Club, which angered them. After rumors emerged, possibly spread by conservative politicians, that the Independence Club planned to abolish the empire and proclaim a republic, Gojong abolished them instead. Gojong was subjected to many assassination or abdication attempts. First in July 1898, Ahn Gyeong-su,
10881-581: The ruling class, led to many notable peasant revolts in the 19th century. In 1894, the Donghak Peasant Revolution took hold as an anti-government, anti- yangban , and anti-foreign campaign. One leading cause of the revolution was the tax system implemented by Queen Min . Gojong asked for the assistance from the Chinese and Japanese to crush the revolution. Yi Jun-yong and others coordinated with peasants to assassinate Gojong. However,
10998-545: The same year, he began studying the draft constitution with Itō Miyoji, Inoue Tsuyoshi, Kaneko Kentaro and others in Tsushima. On 30 April 1888, Itō resigned as prime minister, but headed the new Privy Council to maintain power behind-the-scenes. In 1889, he also became the first genrō . The Meiji Constitution was promulgated in February 1889. He had added to it the references to the kokutai or "national polity" as
11115-579: The samurai class and become ashigaru . Jūzō was the biological son of Hayashi Sukezaemon ( 林助左衛門 ) , a 5th generation descendant of Hayashi Nobuyoshi ( 林信吉 ) who was a member of the Hayashi clan of Owari ( 尾張林氏 ) . He was a student of Yoshida Shōin at the Shōka Sonjuku and later joined the Sonnō jōi movement ("to revere the Emperor and expel the barbarians"), together with Katsura Kogorō . Active in
11232-788: The senior second rank posthumously. Certain distinguished prime ministers have been posthumously raised to the first rank; the last such award was to Eisaku Sato in 1975. Since the 1920s, following their tenure in office, Prime ministers have typically been conferred with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers (until 2003 a special higher class of the Order of the Rising Sun), depending on tenure and eminence. However, honours may be withheld due to misconduct or refusal on
11349-466: The signing of such a lopsided treaty, Korea became easy prey for competing imperialistic powers, paving the way for Korea's annexation by Japan . King Gojong began to rely on a new paid army ( byeolgigun ) of soldiers equipped with rifles. These new armies were requested by the Gaehwa Party and was supervised by Yun Ung-nyeol . In contrast to the well-armed army, the old army had not received
11466-506: The special nature of the work of the head of government, the prime minister's titles vary depending on context, sometimes demonstrating his/her role. Since the inception of the cabinet system , the prime minister is known in Japanese as Naikaku Sōri-Daijin (内閣総理大臣) whenever he is referred to as the head of the Cabinet. However, this title is usually abbreviated to Sōri-Daijin (総理大臣). Other abbreviations include Sōri (総理), Shushō (首相) or even Saishō (宰相). The official English rendering
11583-627: The subject of North Korea's An Jung-gun Shoots Itō Hirobumi in 1979 and South Korea's Thomas Ahn Joong Keun in 2004; both films made his assassin An Jung-geun the protagonist. The 1973 South Korean film Femme Fatale: Bae Jeong-ja is a biopic of Itō's alleged adopted Korean daughter Bae Jeong-ja (1870–1952). Itō argued the Pan-Asian view that if East Asians did not co-operate closely with one another, Japan, Korea and China would all fall victim to Western imperialism. Initially, Gojong and
11700-492: The territory should be treated as a protectorate. When the cabinet voted in favor of annexing Korea, he proposed that the process be delayed in the hopes that the decision could eventually be reversed. However, Itō ultimately changed his mind and approved plans to have the region annexed on 10 April 1909. Despite changing his position, he was forced to resign on 14 June 1909 by the Imperial Japanese Army (one of
11817-435: The treaty had been signed, Itō became the first Resident-General of Korea on 21 December 1905. In 1907, he urged Emperor Gojong to abdicate in favor of his son Sunjong and secured the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907 , thereby giving Japan authority to dictate Korea's internal affairs. While Itō was firmly against Korea falling into China or Russia's sphere of influence , he also opposed its annexation, advocating instead that
11934-535: Was "one of the most important events in the run-up to the Russo-Japanese War ". While Prime Minister, Itō invited Professor George Trumbull Ladd of Yale University to serve as a diplomatic adviser to promote mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. Lectures delivered by Ladd in Japan revolutionized its educational methods; he was the first foreigner to receive the Third Class honor (conferred by
12051-533: Was a direct catalyst for the March First Movement , which in turn bolstered the Korean independence movement . Yi Myeongbok was born on 25 July 1852, in Jeongseonbang ( 정선방 ; 貞善坊 ) district, Seoul, Joseon. He was born into the royal House of Yi , and was the son of Yi Ha-eung and Lady Min . After King Cheoljong died without son, the influential Andong Kim clan nominated Yi as
12168-517: Was a large Western-style mansion, of which three structures, a part of the entrance, a large hall, and a detached room, were transported Hagi. The large hall has a mirrored ceiling and its wooden paneling uses 1000-year old cedar trees from Yoshino . The buildings were collectively designated a National Historic Site in 1932. The Annals of Sunjong record that Gojong held a positive view of Itō's governorship. In an entry for 28 October 1909, almost three years after being forced to abdicate his throne,
12285-538: Was abolished when the Constitution of Japan came into effect in May 1947. Certain eminent prime ministers have been awarded the Order of the Chrysanthemum , typically in the degree of Grand Cordon. The highest honour in the Japanese honours system, the Collar of the Order of the Chrysanthemum, has only been conferred upon select prime ministers and eminent statesmen; the last such award to a living prime minister
12402-470: Was announced. The key point was the dissolution of the Korean Empire's military. The secret provisions of the treaty included the following clauses: all military forces except the Royal Guards will be dissolved. Disbanded soldiers will be relocated to Gando and engaged in reclamation. They will also be engaged in reclamation in the desolate areas of the country. The person who announced the dissolution of
12519-469: Was born on 16 October 1841, in Tsukari, Kumage , Suō Province (present-day Hikari , Yamaguchi Prefecture ), the eldest son of farmer Hayashi Jūzō and his wife Kotoko. After his father went bankrupt and left for Hagi, Yamaguchi in 1846, he went to live at his mother's parental home. In 1849, Jūzō invited the family to Hagi and the family reunited. There Risuke entered Kubo Gorō Saemon's school. Because
12636-500: Was dethroned. Some officials, such as Park Yung-hyo , and Yi Do-jae , tried to assassinate the members of cabinet of Ye Wanyong , who led the abdication. After abdicating, Emperor Gojong was confined to his palace Deoksugung , and the Japanese replaced him with his son, Sunjong . In June 1910, Gojong tried to escape to Primorsky Krai in Russia and establish a government in exile , but he failed to do so. On 22 August 1910, Korea
12753-529: Was established and supported it. On the other hand, Inoue Kaoru was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and was given responsibility for amending the treaty, but the amendment proposed by Inoue included the appointment of foreign judges, leading to the problem of appointing private officials. foreign legislation, leading to In July 1887, a revision meeting aimed at foreign countries was cancelled, and Inoue Kaoru resigned in September, leading to defeat. In June of
12870-567: Was forced to contend with the rise of political parties . Both the Liberal Party and the Shimpotō opposed his proposed new land taxes, and in retaliation, Itō dissolved the lower house of the Imperial Diet and called for general election . As a result, both parties merged into the Kenseitō , won a majority of the seats, and forced Itō to resign. This lesson taught Itō the need for
12987-484: Was formally annexed by Japan . Gojong lost his imperial title, and was instead granted the title, "King Emeritus Yi of Deoksu" ( 徳寿宮李太王 ), and was recognized as a member of the imperial family of Japan. In 1915, Gojong again tried to flee from his confinement with the help of Sangsul , but failed. In 1918, he made another attempt, this time with the goal of going to Beijing with Lee Hoe-yeong , but again failed. On 21 January 1919, Gojong died suddenly at Deoksugung at
13104-471: Was fought on the Korean peninsula. Japan, having acquired Western military technology after the Meiji Restoration , secured a victory against Joseon forces in Ganghwa Island , forcing Joseon to sign the Treaty of Ganghwa in 1876. Japan encroached upon Korean territory in search of fish, iron ore, and other natural resources. It also established a strong economic presence in the peninsula, heralding
13221-479: Was sent on the Iwakura Mission around the world as vice-envoy extraordinary, during which he won the confidence of Ōkubo Toshimichi , one of the leaders of the Meiji government . In 1873, Itō was made a full councilor, Minister of Public Works, and in 1875 chairman of the first Assembly of Prefectural Governors. He participated in the Osaka Conference of 1875 . After Ōkubo's assassination, he took over
13338-454: Was the best solution in the situation without neither army to guard him nor money. However, these decision never followed his own responsibility, ultimately poisoning his very own nation he intended to save. Widespread poverty presented significant challenges to the 19th century Joseon Dynasty. Starvation was rampant, and much of the populace lived in run-down shanties lined along dirt roads. Famine, poverty, crushing taxes, and corruption among
13455-525: Was then converted into the Official Residence, or Kōtei ( 公邸 ) . The Kōtei lies to the southwest of the Kantei, and is linked by a walkway. The prime minister of Japan travels in a Toyota Century . The Lexus LS 600h L , which served as the prime minister's official car from 2008 to 2019, became a spare/alternative vehicle used by the Prime Minister till present. For overseas air travel,
13572-403: Was to Saionji Kinmochi in 1928. More often, the Order of the Chrysanthemum has been a posthumous distinction; both the Collar and Grand Cordon of the order were last awarded posthumously to former prime minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022. After relinquishing office, the prime minister is normally accorded the second or senior third rank in the court order of precedence, and is usually raised to
13689-408: Was under policies of strict isolationism . By contrast, Japan had been rapidly modernizing under the Meiji Restoration . In 1876, Japan forcefully opened Korea and began a decades-long process of moving the peninsula into its own sphere of influence. For the following few decades, Korea was highly unstable, and subjected to a number of foreign encroachments. Incidents such as the 1882 Imo Incident ,
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