Kato 's death in 1923 , followed by a terrible earthquake that devastated Japan in the same year , made a necessary reorganization and reconstruction of the nation 's damaged economy . At this time , one independent party was formed while the following governments included moderate elements . But in 1927 , this short liberal period ended when Baron Giichi Tanaka — leader of the Seiyūkai , a minority party in the Diet — rose to power
earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
Empire of Japan (internal politics 1914–1944)