In 1927, Prime Minister Tanaka Giichi organized an eleven-day conference to analyze and determine Japan's strategic approach toward China. Given the growing influences and national interests in Asia, this gathering included senior military and government officials who deliberated on Japan's political, economic, and military stance in China. The discussions were framed by the broader context of Japan's expansionist ambitions, which had been growing since the end of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 and the occupation of Manchuria. Various factors, including increased nationalism within China and international reactions to Japanese policies, created an urgent need for a clear strategy.

As this conference unfolded, it became intertwined with the later emergence of the Tanaka Memorial, a controversial document purporting to outline Japan's ambitions for domination in Asia and beyond. Although widely recognized as a forgery, it was claimed to contain discussions that allegedly emerged from the conference, thereby intensifying fears of Japanese militarism among foreign powers and fueling tensions in East Asia. The leaked nature of the memorial added intrigue and concern about Japan's intentions at a time when the region was already unstable.

The political ramifications of these discussions were significant. They foreshadowed Japan's military actions in China during the 1930s, and the ideologies solidified during the Tanaka conference would inform future governmental policies. By proposing a framework for expansion, the conference contributed to a shift in Japan's foreign policy that would have dire consequences for the region and the global landscape in the years leading up to World War II.