A photograph of Hozumi Yatsuka, who laid the scholarly groundwork for “Imperial Sovereignty Theory” which would, decades later, be used to justify a fascist coup against Japan’s civilian government. Source: Public Domain
A photograph of Minobe Tatsukichi, whose scholarship laid the groundwork for “Emperor Organ Theory,” which viewed Japan’s sovereign as an organ of government but still subject to its laws and constitution. Source: Public Domain
A photograph of General Araki Sadao, whose leadership of the unofficial ultranationalist military clique Kodoha led to the rebellion that began on February 26, 1936.
An illustration of the flag used by the “Gigun” (Righteous Army) who rebelled against Japan’s civilian government during the February 26 Incident and attempted to install a military government in its place. The kanji reads “Sonno Tokan,” meaning “Revere the Emperor, Destroy the Traitors.” Source: Public Domain
A photograph of Lieutenant Nibu Masutada addressing the rebel soldiers under his command during the February 26 Incident. Source: Public Domain
A map illustrating the attacks that took place across Tokyo during the February 26 Incident. Scale is in meters. Source: Cckerberos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A photograph of rebel soldiers guarding the Prime Minister’s official residence, which they had seized early on during the attempted coup. Because I could not verify the exact date and time of this photograph, it is possible that the Prime Minister was still hiding within when it was taken. Source: Public Domain
A photograph of rebel troops guarding the Sanno Hotel, which they seized during the February 26 Incident. Their banner can be seen below, several rebels can be seen atop the building. Source: Public Domain
A photograph of rebel soldiers returning to their barracks on February 29, after their leaders decided to surrender to government forces. While those leaders who survived would face legal consequences, most of the rank-and-file soldiers would not be prosecuted. Source: Public Domain
A photograph of the Memorial in Shibuya district of modern-day Tokyo to the rebels who led the February 26 Incident and their victims. Atop the memorial is the goddess of mercy Kannon. This memorial was built on the former execution grounds on which many of the rebel officers faced the consequence of their treason. Source: m-louis .®, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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