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
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
After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China, and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration.
1945
Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications or any fraternal contention and strike which may create confusion, lead you astray and cause you to lose the confidence of the world. Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith in the imperishability of its sacred land, and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibility and of the long road before it.
1945
Artifacts (15)
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