The was promoted by Japanese author Kita Ikki in the 1930s, with the goal of restoring power to the newly enthroned Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito) and abolishing the liberal Taishō democracy.[1] The aims of the "Shōwa Restoration" were similar to the Meiji Restoration as the groups who envisioned it imagined a small group of qualified people backing up a strong Emperor. The Cherry Blossom Society envisioned such a restoration.[2]
The February 26 Incident was an attempt to bring it about, failing heavily because they were unable to secure the support of the Emperor.[3] The chief conspirators surrendered in the hope to make their trial advance the cause, a hope which was foiled by the trials being conducted secretly.[4]
Although all such attempts failed, it was a first step on the rise of Japanese militarism.