Saionji Kinmochi

Saionji Kinmochi opposed the military's desire to continue the Russo-Japanese War beyond the Treaty of Portsmouth. He advocated for peace, arguing that Japan lacked resources for further conflict, and supported the treaty's acceptance.

Saionji Kinmochi served as Prime Minister of Japan from 1906 to 1908 and again from 1911 to 1912. He pursued moderate policies, including fiscal restraint and diplomatic cooperation with Western powers.

Saionji Kinmochi became the last surviving genro (elder statesman) after the deaths of other Meiji leaders. He advised successive emperors and tried to restrain the military's political influence, though with limited success.

Saionji Kinmochi, as the last genro, tried to prevent the military from taking control of the government during the Manchurian Incident and subsequent crises. He recommended moderate politicians as prime ministers, but his influence waned as militarism grew.