Taisho democracy refers to a period in Japan from 1912 to 1926 during the reign of Emperor Taisho. This era was characterized by a shift towards more democratic governance, with increased political participation and the rise of political parties. The government began to adopt more liberal policies, allowing for greater freedom of speech and assembly. During this time, Japan experienced social changes, including the growth of the middle class and the influence of Western ideas. However, the democratic advancements faced challenges, such as political corruption and military influence, which ultimately led to a decline in democratic practices by the late 1920s.