A reverse salient: Japan's economic sanctions on enemy business, 1914–1927

Abstract This study explores the formation and implementation of Japan's economic sanctions on enemy business, especially German merchants, during the First World War, by positioning Japan within the context of the Allies' collective effort to enforce a global blockade. Although Japan enforced harsh measures in Qingdao, the economic sanctions on the home front were lenient compared with those of the European Allies and the United States. For this, Japan received diplomatic pressure from Britain. The Allies' pressure eventually led to Japan's policy switch before the end of the war. With respect to sanctions, Japan was a reverse salient among the Allies.