Mitsumasa Yonai served as navy minister before Emperor Hirohito asked him to become prime minister in January 1940. Unlike Tojo, he resigned his naval status rather than combine uniformed command with political office. He used the premiership to pursue peace and remained a visible opponent of war. In July 1944, Hirohito forced Tojo to accept Yonai's return as navy minister, a conspicuous loss of face for the wartime premier. The emperor later thanked Yonai personally for his efforts to prevent the conflict and gave him a treasured writing set, an extraordinary mark of favor.
Notable Point · 3:04:06-3:06:25
Yonai became prime minister without keeping naval command
Mitsumasa Yonai resigned from the navy when he became prime minister, opposed war, and later returned as navy minister in a move that signaled Hirohito's loss of confidence in Tojo.