Tetsu Katayama

Tetsu Katayama (片山 哲, Katayama Tetsu, 28 July 1887 – 30 May 1978) was a Japanese politician and the 46th prime minister from 24 May 1947 to 10 March 1948. He bears the distinction of having been the first socialist to serve as prime minister of Japan.

Early life

He was born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture on 28 July 1887. He attended Tokyo Imperial University and received a bachelor's degree in law. Raised in the Christian faith, he was strongly influenced by the Christian Socialism of Abe Isoo. After graduating, he opened a law office in a rented YMCA dormitory, and worked as an attorney.

Early political life

Katayama became secretary-general of the Social People's Party when it was established in 1926. He was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Kanagawa Prefecture, in 1930. Later in 1932, he joined the executive committee of the Socialist Masses Party. However, he was removed from the party, since he did not participated in the session of the House where Takao Saito was expelled from the House due to his antimilitary speech. After World War II, Katayama began to serve as secretary-general of the Japan Socialist Party when it was established in November 1945. Next in September 1946, he became the chairman of the party's executive committee.