In an act that shocked the nation, Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated in Tokyo as part of a radical coup attempt by a group of young naval officers. This incident, fueled by dissatisfaction with Japan's political direction and the perceived failure of government leaders to address rising militarism and economic issues, highlighted the growing divide between Japan's military factions and its civilian leadership. The officers believed the assassination would pave the way for a more militaristic government capable of responding aggressively to perceived threats, particularly from Western powers regarding Japan's actions in China.

Inukai, who had served as Prime Minister since December 1931, was a member of the Rikken Seiyūkai party and advocated for a more moderate and diplomatic approach to foreign policy. His assassination was part of a broader trend during the interwar period when military influence in Japanese politics was on the rise. The attack occurred at his official residence, where the conspirators broke in and opened fire, ultimately killing him. The failure of this coup did not quell the influence of military factions; rather, it emboldened their ranks and set a precedent for future violent political interventions.

The ramifications of Inukai's assassination were profound, leading to increased military control over the Japanese government and eventually contributing to Japan’s aggressive expansionism in Asia. Following his death, Japan saw a series of military-dominated governments and escalated conflicts, particularly in Manchuria and ultimately in World War II. The cooperation between military leaders and politicians in the wake of Inukai's assassination marked a turning point in Japanese governance that would shape the nation's military and political strategies for decades.