Mutsu Munemitsu
The Japanese government was initially hesitant to take action, as Japan had no formal diplomatic relations with Peru, whose interests in Japan were being handled by the United States. Kanagawa governor Mutsu Munemitsu was strongly opposed to any intervention which might damage Japanese relations with the western nations; however Justice Minister Etō Shimpei felt that the issue could not be ignored for humanitarian reasons. The head of the State Council, Sanjō Sanetomi, authorized Soejima to proceed, and Mutsu resigned his position in protest.