An attempted pro-Tojo coup would face more than officers loyal to Hirohito. Japan's political and military factions were nested and mutually suspicious, and each group feared letting a rival gain control of the emperor's advisers. Their contest was framed as replacing people who gave the throne bad advice, rather than openly abolishing the imperial institution. Hirohito could therefore condemn Tojo's judgment or timing while affirming confidence in the armed forces, separating one leader from the institutions beneath him. If the Navy forced Tojo's resignation, the emperor could also preserve distance from the removal. Coalition building, rather than a single unified military will, determined how much power Tojo could exercise.
Notable Point · 1:49:42-1:53:11
Factional rivalry makes a pro-Tojo coup difficult
Japan's many rival factions weaken Tojo's coalition because groups that might resist Hirohito also fear letting a competitor control imperial access.