Ichiro Hatoyama Japanese politician, Prime Minister of Japan from 1954 to 1956 Date of Birth: 01.01.1883 Country: Japan

1. Ichiro Hatoyama: Early Life and Political Beginnings
2. Political Career in Pre-War Japan
3. Post-War Political Activity
4. Prime Ministership
5. Moscow Negotiations and Resignation
6. Passing and Legacy

Ichiro Hatoyama: Early Life and Political Beginnings

Ichiro Hatoyama, a prominent Japanese politician, was born in Tokyo on January 1, 1883. Coming from a politically inclined family, he followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing law at the Imperial University of Tokyo, graduating in 1907. In 1912, he marked the start of his political career by being elected to the Tokyo City Assembly, followed by becoming a member of the lower house of the Japanese Parliament in 1915.

Political Career in Pre-War Japan

From 1927 to 1929, Hatoyama served as Chief Cabinet Secretary under Prime Minister Giichi Tanaka. During his tenure as Minister of Education from 1931 to 1934, he came under fire for restricting academic freedom by dismissing liberal educators as part of the government's "thought control" campaign. Despite this, he remained a member of the Diet after 1942, joining the Imperial Rule Assistance Association.

Post-War Political Activity

After the war, Hatoyama founded the Liberal Party and became its first president, leading it to victory in the 1946 House of Representatives election. However, during the occupation purge, he was banned from political involvement due to his wartime cooperation with the Japanese government. Following the lifting of the ban in 1951, he distanced himself from Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, establishing the Democratic Party in 1954 and becoming its chairman.

Prime Ministership

In 1954, Hatoyama became Prime Minister, following Yoshida's resignation. As Prime Minister, he reduced American influence over Japan and restored diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union. In response to the unification of left and right-wing socialist parties, the liberals and democrats merged, forming the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in 1955.

Moscow Negotiations and Resignation

Amidst internal pressure to abandon or weaken the government's pursuit of Soviet relations, Hatoyama traveled to Moscow in 1956, despite his ill health. He successfully negotiated and signed the Joint Declaration for the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the Soviet Union. Upon his return and having fulfilled his election promises, Hatoyama resigned as Prime Minister in December 1956.

Passing and Legacy

Health problems prevented Hatoyama from further active political involvement. He declined a leadership role in the Japan-Soviet Society and passed away in Tokyo on March 7, 1959, at the age of 76. His son, Ichiro Hatoyama, also became Prime Minister of Japan, continuing the Hatoyama family's legacy in Japanese politics.