Historical Figure
Hirohito
1901–1989
Emperor of Japan from 1926 to 1989
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Biography
Emperor Shōwa , known colloquially by his personal name Hirohito, was the 124th emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession, reigning from 1926 until his death in 1989. He remains the longest-reigning emperor in Japanese history and one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the world. As emperor during the Shōwa era, Hirohito presided over the rise of Japanese militarism, the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Asia-Pacific theater of World War II, and the nation's postwar economic miracle.
Timeline
The story of Hirohito, told in moments.
Born at the Aoyama Palace in Tokyo. Crown Prince from age 15. His tutors taught him marine biology. He'd collect specimens his entire life, publishing peer-reviewed papers on hydrozoa.
Ascends to the throne at 25 following the death of Emperor Taisho. Takes the reign name Showa, meaning 'enlightened peace.' Japan will spend most of his first 20 years on the throne at war.
Presides over an Imperial Conference that authorizes war against the United States. The exact nature of his involvement will be debated for decades. Was he a rubber stamp? A true believer? He never says.
Records a radio address announcing Japan's surrender. Most Japanese have never heard his voice. He speaks in formal court Japanese that many can't fully understand. He never uses the word 'surrender.'
Issues the Humanity Declaration, renouncing the idea that the Emperor is a living god. MacArthur has decided to keep him on the throne as a stabilizing force. He'll spend the rest of his reign opening highways and attending sporting events.
Dies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. He is 87. His reign lasted 62 years. Japan mourns for weeks. In Asia, the response is more complicated.
In Their Own Words (9)
When I consider the dead and their families, I cannot repress my mental agony.
Draft of undelivered speech (1948); published in the magazine Bungeishunju as quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald (11 June 2003)., 1948
When I calmly consider this, the flame of anxiety burns my body. Towards the public, I am deeply ashamed of my lack of discretion... I would like to apologize to successive emperors and people by doing my best for the reconstruction of the nation and people's happiness.
Draft of undelivered speech (1948); published in the magazine Bungeishunju as quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald (11 June 2003)., 1948
We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone — the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people — the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers.
1945
The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all of you. Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable.
1945
Unite your total strength, to be devoted to construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude, foster nobility of spirit, and work with resolution — so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world.
1945
Artifacts (15)
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