December 2, 1935. A violent shock ran through the Imperial Capital. The condition of Prime Minister Keisuke Okada, whose health had long been a concern, worsened, and his cabinet suddenly resigned en masse, unable to endure the heavy burdens of his office.

Konoe, Hirota, or perhaps Ugaki... All sorts of speculation flew through the streets of the capital, each rumor sprouting new, more embellished ones. And half a day after the mass resignation was announced, the people were astonished once more.

you. Without the recommendation of the elder statesmen or a resolution from their council, the name was simply cast out, and it was announced that an imperial command to form a cabinet had been issued. Born in Kyoto, 32 years old. A daughter of a ducal family, her entire background was a complete mystery, save that she was raised in Paris and studied at Oxford University. It was that evening when a woman in Western dress appeared at the prime minister's official residence press club, where reporters were frantically gathering information. She had a striking, tall figure and beautiful features. Yet, no one had time to pay her any attention. She took a pack of untipped French cigarettes from her bag and spoke to a young reporter passing by. "Would you be so kind as to give me a light?"