Hamaguchi 's primary concern was the Japanese economy , which had been in an ever-increasing recession since the end of World War I , and had been greatly weakened by the devastation caused by the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake . Hamaguchi promoted retrenchment , deflation and the rationalization of industry . The 1929 Great Depression , starting soon after he took office , put further pressure on the economy
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
Osachi Hamaguchi