Background
Hara Takashi was born on September 2, 1856 in Morioka, Nanbu Domain, Japan. Hara was the son of a high-ranking samurai family of northern Japan.
Hara Takashi was born on September 2, 1856 in Morioka, Nanbu Domain, Japan. Hara was the son of a high-ranking samurai family of northern Japan.
He studied at Tokyo University.
In 1879 Hara began a career as reporter, diplomat, and cabinet secretary.
In 1900 he became manager of the Seiyukai, a political party, and was brought into the Ito cabinet.
Elected to the Diet in 1901, he later was elected speaker of the house.
In 1918 Hara, who had become known as "the Great Commoner, " became Japan's first untitled premier.