When the name Emperor Hirohito is mentioned a debate usually occurs. War criminal, a man who wanted to make the whole world his empire, or was he a peace loving man who had no control or knowledge of war atrocities? Hirohito was Japan’s longest reigning monarch of 63 years. Hirohito became emperor on December 25, 1926 and reigned until his death on January 7, 1989. Hirohito picked the name “Showa” to represent his reign and to set the tone for the new era. The name Showa, which means “perfect harmony” or “peace and enlightenment,” seemed to be a good fit for the first few years, but then everything changes. Hirohito was born April 29th of 1901 in Tokyo, Japan. His childhood was different than most children’s lives because he was isolated
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He was taught as a young boy that the emperor is to stay out of politics and was to follow the advice of his advisors who were strong military leaders. The goal of these leaders was to expand Japan with more land, have access to needed natural resources and have more power. Hirohito had the knowledge and fear of assassination if he didn’t stay the course. Hirohito’s reign was known for much militarization and aggressive wars against Manchuria in 1931 and China in 1937. In 1941, Japan shocked the world by attacking the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii causing World War II to be begin. Many historians believe Hirohito didn’t want war with the United States. When the war went bad for Japan, Hirohito worked to arrange an agreement and made an unprecedented radio broadcast announcing Japan’s unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945. Hirohito felt preserving the emperorship was his most important duty and agreed to repute his divine status. Hirohito was allowed to stay at the throne to be a symbol of continuity for the Japan people, to help maintain political calmness in postwar time, and to help with the democratization of Japan. He was not tried as a war
He was taught as a young boy that the emperor is to stay out of politics and was to follow the advice of his advisors who were strong military leaders. The goal of these leaders was to expand Japan with more land, have access to needed natural resources and have more power. Hirohito had the knowledge and fear of assassination if he didn’t stay the course. Hirohito’s reign was known for much militarization and aggressive wars against Manchuria in 1931 and China in 1937. In 1941, Japan shocked the world by attacking the United States at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii causing World War II to be begin. Many historians believe Hirohito didn’t want war with the United States. When the war went bad for Japan, Hirohito worked to arrange an agreement and made an unprecedented radio broadcast announcing Japan’s unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945. Hirohito felt preserving the emperorship was his most important duty and agreed to repute his divine status. Hirohito was allowed to stay at the throne to be a symbol of continuity for the Japan people, to help maintain political calmness in postwar time, and to help with the democratization of Japan. He was not tried as a war