Japan expands economic base within Asia and the Pacific. Prospering businessmen support Liberal party government, broadening political participation. Universal manhood suffrage begun in 1925 . Japan experiences World War II and its aftermath, as well as economic recovery. Manchuria taken over in 1931 .
Pearl Harbor brings United States into war in the Pacific.
The emperor airs by radio a statement of unconditional surrender. Highlights of the era are the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964 and Expo '70 in Osaka. In 1972 relations with China are normalized. Global issues foster debate. In 1989 Prince Akihito succeeds to the throne.