Legal and Constitutional Roots in Japan and the Rise of Militarism (604 – 1868).
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Abstract
The legal and constitutional foundations of Japan are fundamental to understanding its political and military trajectory throughout history. At the beginning of the 20th. century, Japan underwent significant transformations in its political system, transitioning from traditional feudalism to a modern constitutional order. The formulation of the Japanese legal and constitutional system was influenced by several Western models, particularly the German system of the time. The 1889 Imperial Constitution played a prominent role in consolidating the emperor's powers while preserving certain elements of local traditions. Militarily, Japan emerged as a major power before World War II, based on a comprehensive militarization policy that extended to various aspects of political and economic life. These policies bolstered the nobility and the imperial system, which was a primary driver of the empire's expansion into Southeast Asia and the Pacific. However, defeat in World War II marked a turning point, prompting Japan to restructure its political and military framework. Following the war, under allied supervision, Japan adopted a new constitution in 1947 that prohibited the establishment of offensive military forces. Nevertheless, as time passed and regional tensions in Asia increased, particularly during the Cold War era, Japan gradually began to reconsider its defense policies.
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