1937 Japanese general election

General elections were held in Japan on 30 April 1937 to elect the 466 members of the House of Representatives, after the dissolution of Parliament on 31 March. Rikken Minseitō emerged as the largest party in Parliament, with 179 of the 466 seats. The election was a major success for Shakai Taishūtō, which became the third-largest party in the Diet, the first socialist party to do so in Japanese history. In contrast, the mildly pro-military Rikken Minseitō lost several seats and fascist groups such as Tōhōkai remained minor forces in the House. Candidates supporting the ruling Hayashi administration were scarce, as his government only obtained endorsement from Shōwakai, Kokumin Dōmei and a coalition of small ultranationalist groups. Prime Minister Hayashi, in face of a hostile House of Representatives, was forced to resign soon after the election. Voter turnout was 73%.