Saionji Kinmochi led Japan's delegation at Versailles and became the last surviving genro, an elder statesman empowered to recommend prime ministers to the emperor. He usually favored the leader of the largest parliamentary party but could propose alternatives when stability seemed to require it. This made the choice of prime minister partly dependent on an informal institution outside the elected parliament. Saionji's pro-British outlook and caution toward militarism provided a measure of restraint, although his influence had limits. His death in 1940 removed both the last genro and a personal link to the earlier alliance era.
Notable Point · 28:20-30:29
Saionji Kinmochi and the genro's political influence
Saionji's power to recommend prime ministers gave a pro-British elder statesman limited influence over Japan's changing political system.