Rikken Dōshikai

Quick Facts: Who was Rikken Dōshikai?

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Rikken Dōshikai

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A significant early 20th-century Japanese political party supporting Katsura Tarō.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Rikken-Dōshi Kai (Japanese: 立憲同志会, lit. 'Association of Comrades of the Constitution') was a political party active in the Empire of Japan in the early years of the 20th century. It was also known as simply the Dōshikai.

Career & Major Achievements

Founded by Prime Minister Katsura Tarō on February 7, 1913, the Rikken Dōshikai largely served to support his cabinet against criticism by Ozaki Yukio and his Rikken Seiyūkai party, which at the time held a majority of the seats in the Lower House of the Diet of Japan, as well as by Inukai Tsuyoshi of the Rikken Kokuminto party. Katsura was able to convince 90 Diet members (including all 31 members of the Chūō Club and half of the Rikken Kokumintō) to join his new party. The party survived Katsura's death in 1913, and under the leadership of Katō Takaaki placed five of its members in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu in 1914–1916.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

It became the majority party in the Diet after the 1915 General Election, with a 153 seats. After the dissolution of the Ōkuma government, the Dōshikai merged with Chūseikai and other small political parties to form the Kenseikai in October 1916.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1913: 1913 Milestone — Founded by Prime Minister Katsura Tarō on February 7, 1913, the Rikken Dōshikai largely served to support his cabinet against criticism by Ozaki Yukio and his Rikken Seiyūkai party, which at the time held a majority of the seats in the Lower House of the Diet of Japan, as well as by Inukai Tsuyoshi of the Rikken Kokuminto party.
2. 1915: 1915 Milestone — It became the majority party in the Diet after the 1915 General Election, with a 153 seats.
3. 1916: 1916 Milestone — After the dissolution of the Ōkuma government, the Dōshikai merged with Chūseikai and other small political parties to form the Kenseikai in October 1916.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Rikken Dōshikai

True or False: “The Rikken Dōshikai was the dominant political force in Japan immediately following its founding in 1913.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Initially, the Rikken Seiyūkai party held a majority of seats in the Lower House of the Diet when the Dōshikai was formed.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rikken Dōshikai