Hirohito, known as the 'Sun's Son,' was the Emperor of Japan from 1926 until his death in 1989. He remains one of history's most enigmatic leaders. Even though a long time has passed since his death, his role in the actions of the Japanese government during World War II is still not fully understood.
Some historians view him as a hostage in the hands of the military leaders of that time, while others claim he was fully aware and involved in war crimes.
Born on April 29, 1901, Hirohito became emperor in 1921 and made history by becoming the first person from the Japanese monarchy to travel abroad. He toured Europe for six months before ascending the throne in 1926. In those years, the Emperor was perceived as a divine figure in the eyes of the average Japanese on the streets, as was customary.
However, Hirohito's influence extended only within the palace walls. The country's foreign policy was entirely in the hands of the military and civil bureaucracy. The emperor, not particularly charismatic, had to endure decisions that were imposed upon him. He opposed the invasion of Manchuria and the war with China, but his opinions were ignored. Additionally, requests for cooperation with England and America were disregarded.
Japan, possessing a formidable navy that aroused envy, believed it deserved to rise above its perceived backwardness and grow. They were not entirely wrong, as Japan was the only country along with America to have aircraft carriers at the time. When Japan entered World War II, a dilemma arose with the Pearl Harbor attack. Did Hirohito approve it, or was he forced to accept it? Or did he personally plan it? All these questions remain unanswered.
By 1945, Hirohito was among those who foresaw Japan's impending defeat. However, the soldiers were determined to prolong the war at any cost. When they persisted, history witnessed the detonation of the first atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite this, Hirohito asserted his authority and declared their surrender. On August 15, 1945, he announced the end of the war on the radio, marking the first time the Japanese heard their emperor's voice, as traditionally, Japanese emperors refrained from speaking.
Allied leaders were in favor of trying Hirohito as a war criminal like the Nazis. However, General MacArthur, the commander of American occupation forces, believed that having the Emperor remain in his position would facilitate reconstruction. In the years following the war, Hirohito supported the reconstruction efforts while also working to restore the charisma of the imperial family according to American wishes.
When Hirohito passed away from cancer in January 1989, he left behind a country that had become one of the world's economic powerhouses. In his 88-year life, including 63 years of his imperial reign, he witnessed his country transition from a military superpower to ashes and then rise again as an economic giant. There is no doubt he played a pivotal role in this transformation.
He broke many customs of the traditional Japanese Empire, which the Japanese held sacred. He mingled with the public, allowed photographs with his family, and permitted news coverage. He even approved of his son Akihito marrying a commoner.
According to some historians, if he had intervened and tried to stop the war, he might have fallen victim to a coup. Therefore, he chose to preserve the empire.
Hirohito chose to remain silent. Some Japanese historians believe that the narrative of a weak and ineffectual emperor was fabricated to serve the interests of post-war America and Japan. They argue that the Emperor was informed about everything and approved of it all.
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