治安維持法
Before the end of World War II (Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa era), criticisms and discussions of the Emperor and the imperial system were severely punished by the old Penal Code as they were considered to be lèse-majesté. There was also strong pressure from Japanese society against such criticisms. Further, the Peace Preservation Law was enacted in 1941 to punish such criticisms against the imperial system.