The Courage of One’s Conviction: Braving the Currents of Showa Diplomacy

Abstract

Over the years, historians have gradually reduced the stature of Hanihara Masanao to the somewhat sad and sentimental figure of yet another “tragic diplomat.” As a family member, this romantic reduction remains nearly incomprehensible. At the very least, we consider such a characterization to be distinctly at odds with what we know and accept. Hanihara never considered the 1924 incident as his personal tragedy. Nor would those who remained close to the Ambassador think of him in this way. Hanihara’s decision to change the trajectory of his career was the only personal consequence that flowed from the Immigration Act of 1924 events.