Constitutional Democratic Party (Japan)

[11] Its leadership included Osachi Hamaguchi, Wakatsuki Reijirō, Yamamoto Tatsuo, Takejirō Tokonami, Adachi Kenzō, Koizumi Matajirō and Saitō Takao.

The party platform was politically and economically more liberal than its major rival, the Rikken Seiyūkai, calling for rule by the Diet of Japan rather than bureaucrats or genrō, elimination of disparities in wealth, international cooperation, and protection of personal liberties.

Hamaguchi's first priority was to address the effects of the 1929 Stock Market Crash through retrenchment of government spending, tightening the money supply and encouraging exports while stabilizing foreign investments through returning to a fixed exchange rate.

[14] During its tenure, the Minseitō also advocated a conciliatory foreign policy and ratified the London Naval Agreement of 1930.

However, Hamaguchi fell victim to assassination on 14 November 1930 when he was shot in Tokyo Station by a member of an ultranationalist secret society.

In the following 1932 General Election, some right-wing members defected to the Rikken Seiyūkai, which won an absolute majority of 301 seats.

On 15 August 1940, the Minseitō voted to dissolve itself into the Imperial Rule Assistance Association as part of Fumimaro Konoe's efforts to create a one-party state, and thereafter ceased to exist.

[19] In fact, over time, the Minseitō had grown into a progressive party aiming for freedom and equality in the course of fighting with the Seiyūkai.

[20] The Minseitō aimed to establish a two-party system,[17] and the party has advocated "Parliament-centric politics" (議会中心政治, Gikai Chūshin Seiji).

[8] This is due to the influence of former members of the Kenseikai legislators who have gained experience as politicians of party politics,[21] and it's an idea to oppose the Seiyūkai which advocates Kōshitsu Chūshinshugi (lit.

[22] Seigō Nakano, the head of policymaking and public relations, declared that "The Minseitō will implement strong 'Parliament-centric politics' through good operation of the universal suffrage.

[31] One more faction, Tōjinha was rallying under Adachi Kenzō who had a good reputation for astute skills in election campaign.