西園寺公望
In terms of domestic policy, Katsura was a strictly conservative politician who attempted to distance himself from the Diet of Japan and party politics. His political views mirrored that of Yamagata Aritomo in that he viewed that his sole responsibility was to the Emperor. He vied for control of the government with the "Rikken Seiyūkai", the majority party of the lower house, headed by his archrival, Marquess Saionji Kinmochi.