Conflict8 January 1932

Yi Bong-chang's Attack

Korean Patriotic Organization member Yi Bong-chang threw a bomb at the Japanese emperor’s procession outside the Sakuradamon gate in Tokyo. The emperor was unhurt, but Japan was badly shaken.

Press photo report of Yi Bong-chang’s attack in Tokyo, 8 January 1932
Press photo report of Yi Bong-chang’s attack in Tokyo, 8 January 1932

Unknown author · Public domain · Source

Yi, who had worked as a labourer in Japan, went to Shanghai and joined the organization through Kim Gu. On 8 January 1932 he threw a bomb at the emperor returning from a military review; it missed, and he was arrested on the spot and executed that October.

When Chinese newspapers reported that the bomb "unfortunately missed", Japan used it as a pretext for the Shanghai Incident of 28 January 1932.

The map in 1932

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States and rulers at the time
Japan · targeted — Emperor Shōwa
Places
Sakuradamon Gate

People

  • Yi Bong-chang1900 – 1932

    leader · Korean Patriotic Organization member who threw a bomb at the Japanese emperor’s carriage in Tokyo

  • Kim Gu1876 – 1949

    related figure · Known as Baekbeom; founded the Korean Patriotic Organization and led the Liberation Army as Chairman of the Provisional Government

Before and after

Related works

  • TV episode: Naked Korean History Episode 45: How Did Yi Bong-chang Throw a Bomb at the Japanese Emperor?TV episode · 2023 · Jo Geon · tvN STORY