The bombardment of Tokyo by the German Expeditionary Fleet lasted for more than half a day. Every naval gun, save for those kept in reserve for self-defense, had expended its ammunition in the assault.
The devastation was immense—Tokyo lay in ruins, with over half the city reduced to rubble. By the time the German fleet withdrew, raging fires continued to consume the city, their glow illuminating the night sky.
As for the casualties caused by the German bombardment, only preliminary estimates could be made; obtaining exact figures was impossible. What was clear, however, was that the death toll was staggering. While those directly killed by the shelling were not numerous, the fires sparked by the bombardment claimed countless lives. According to Japanese government statistics, the attack on Tokyo alone resulted in 200,000 deaths. Including losses from other cities, the total death toll exceeded 500,000.
Given that Japan's population at the time was just over 50 million, these fatalities accounted for 1% of the nation's populace—an unimaginably high proportion.
After laying waste to Tokyo, the German fleet departed unchallenged. Though Japan's coastal defense forces attempted to intercept them in Uraga Channel, a fierce barrage from the fleet swiftly crushed their resistance. Helpless, they could only watch as the German ships vanished into the waters of Sagami Bay.
"Baka! How could this happen?" Emperor Taisho roared in the shattered remains of the imperial palace. "Tokyo is the capital of our empire, yet even the sacred imperial palace has been destroyed by the Germans! I, the Emperor of Japan, the divine ruler, was forced to cower in a bomb shelter like a commoner. This is a humiliation for our entire empire!"
Before him, the elder statesmen and cabinet ministers prostrated themselves in silence.
Though the Emperor held no real power, his divine status compelled even the most powerful officials to display deference in his presence. Outwardly, at least, the Emperor remained the supreme symbol of Japan's authority.
"Your Majesty, we are gravely at fault. We beg your forgiveness!" the ministers cried in unison.
After venting his fury, the Emperor fell silent, and the officials departed to discuss how to salvage the situation.
"Gentlemen, the empire now faces a crisis of life and death. Let us deliberate—what should be done?" Yamagata Aritomo, the foremost of Japan's elder statesmen, addressed the gathering. Though Ōkuma Shigenobu was the Prime Minister and nominal head of government, it was Yamagata who wielded the greatest influence.
"Lord Yamagata, the Germans have gone too far! They have dared to destroy our capital and even bombard the imperial palace, endangering the safety of His Majesty. This is a matter of life and death—we cannot rest until we avenge this affront!" Okuma Shigenobu's anger was palpable.
"Lord Yamagata, while our enmity with Germany is indeed irreconcilable, we must confront reality. At present, we are powerless against them. If we are to seek revenge, it must be after we have weathered this crisis and regained our strength," argued Ōkuma Shigenobu.
Yamagata nodded, though his agreement was ambiguous.
"If we choose to compromise, we must abandon Southeast Asia. Those resource-rich territories would greatly enhance the empire's strength if we could secure them. To give them up now would be a tremendous loss," Okuma argued.
"Southeast Asia's value is undeniable, but it pales in comparison to the survival of our homeland. The Germans have shown their resolve by attacking Tokyo and even bombarding the imperial palace. If we refuse their terms, they may destroy all our coastal cities. Should that happen, our homeland would be devastated. Even if we were to claim Southeast Asia, what future would the empire have with its core in ruins? Furthermore, if we persist in resistance, we might not even secure Southeast Asia. Germany is poised to confront Britain, and once they prevail, they could easily turn their attention to Southeast Asia. Our forces stationed there, cut off from resupply and reinforcements, would crumble under the assault of the German military. In the end, we would face defeat and pay an even steeper price," Matsukata Masayoshi reasoned.
Unable to refute these points, Okuma fell silent.
"Lord Matsukata is correct. This crisis proves that expanding our territory without adequate strength is folly. To do so invites only disaster," concurred Inoue Kaoru.
"This disaster is largely my responsibility. If not for my proposed plan, the empire would not have suffered such catastrophic losses," lamented Saionji Kinmochi.
Yamagata sighed deeply. "The Germans have inflicted severe damage upon the empire, making them our eternal enemies. If Japan regains its strength in the future, we must never forgive them. But for now, we are no match for them. For the sake of the empire's survival and the safety of its people, we must yield to Germany's terms."
"Conceding now does not mean forsaking our dignity. It is a strategic retreat to ensure we can rise again. Given Germany's superiority, our defeat is understandable," Inoue Kaoru reassured.
Yamagata nodded solemnly. "Foreign Minister, open negotiations with the Germans. Inform them that we accept their terms."
"Yes, Lord Yamagata!" Foreign Minister Katō Takaki responded.
Thus, Japan's diplomatic corps reached out to Germany, signaling their full acceptance of the proposed terms. Satisfied, Germany refrained from pushing further, as their focus remained on defeating Britain.
This first clash between Japan and Germany ended in a decisive German victory, a momentous event in the unfolding global conflict.