Wakatsuki Reijirō

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Wakatsuki Reijirō

Role / Field:

Japanese politician who served twice as Prime Minister, known for advocating peace.

Born:

1866-03-21

Died:

1949-11-20

Century / Era:

1866s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Baron Wakatsuki Reijirō (若槻 禮次郎; 21 March 1866 – 20 November 1949) was a Japanese politician who twice served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1926 to 1927, and again in 1931. Wakatsuki Reijirō, né Okumura, was born on 21 March 1866, in Matsue, Izumo Province (present day Shimane Prefecture), the second son of ashigaru Okumura Sensaburō and his wife Kura. The family was of the samurai status, but was of the lowest class and very poor, so they worked side jobs to support themselves. When Reijirō was three years old, his mother died. As the father and the eldest brother were ordered to work in Yamazaki, Kyoto by the Matsue Domain, the responsibilities of the house fell onto Reijirō's 11-year-old elder sister Iwa who took care of the three-year-old Reijirō while having a side job.

Career & Major Achievements

The Okumura family were low-ranking, and the family could not have a residence near the center of Sakaimachi. For this reason, the family lived in a rented house on the outskirts of the town, but by the time Reijirō was born, his father had just constructed a small house in Nishitanaka. At the time, samurai were required to wear their katana (typically two), and Reijirō commuted to temple school wearing only one wooden sword on his hip. After graduating from elementary school, he entered a Chinese literary school, but quit the following year entering a middle school in Matsue. However, he was forced to quit middle school in just eight months because his family could not afford the tuition fees.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After quitting school, he collected firewood in the mountains and helped with house chores. At the age of 16, he began working as an elementary school substitute teacher. In 1883, he decided to enter the Imperial Japanese Army Academy as the tuition fees were government expensed, but failed the physical examination. The next year, he heard about student recruitment by the Law School of the Ministry of Justice, which also had its tuition fees covered by the government. However, the examination took place in Tokyo, and the travel fees were not covered.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1866 (1866-03-21): Birth of Wakatsuki Reijirō — Japanese politician who served twice as Prime Minister, known for advocating peace.
2. 1883: 1883 Milestone — In 1883, he decided to enter the Imperial Japanese Army Academy as the tuition fees were government expensed, but failed the physical examination.
3. 1949 (1949-11-20): Passing & Historical Legacy — Wakatsuki Reijirō passed away on 1949-11-20, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Wakatsuki Reijirō

True or False: “Wakatsuki Reijirō was the first Japanese politician to serve as Prime Minister during a period of significant military expansionism.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he served during periods of tension, his political career is noted for his efforts to oppose militarism and advocate for peace.

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• 1866 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1866
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wakatsuki Reijirō