# Shōwa period - Historical context — selected ruler coverage

URL: https://history-japan.com/rulers/showa-period
Reign: 1926 – 1989
Dynasty: Historical periods
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shōwa_period

Imperial war and defeat were followed by occupation, constitutional reform and economic growth.

## Succession
- Preceded by: [Emperor Shōwa](https://history-japan.com/rulers/emperor-showa)
- Succeeded by: [Wakatsuki Reijiro](https://history-japan.com/rulers/wakatsuki-reijiro-1926)

## Timeline events during this reign
- 1931 - [Manchurian Incident](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1931-manchurian-incident)
- 1937 - [Full-scale war with China](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1937-full-scale-war-with-china)
- 1941 - [Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and Allied territories](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1941-japan-attacks-pearl-harbor-and-allied-territories)
- 1945 - [Atomic bombings and Japan’s surrender](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1945-atomic-bombings-and-japan-s-surrender)
- 1947 - [Postwar Constitution takes effect](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1947-postwar-constitution-takes-effect)
- 1952 - [Occupation ends and sovereignty is restored](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1952-occupation-ends-and-sovereignty-is-restored)
- 1964 - [Tokyo Olympics and the Tōkaidō Shinkansen](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1964-tokyo-olympics-and-the-tokaido-shinkansen)
- 1972 - [Okinawa is returned to Japanese administration](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1972-okinawa-is-returned-to-japanese-administration)
- 1989 - [Akihito accedes and Heisei begins](https://history-japan.com/timeline/1989-akihito-accedes-and-heisei-begins)