What was Emperor Hirohitos role in ww2?
The position of Emperor is an enigma to western minds. It’s not as if the Emperor is the same as the English King or even Emperor Napoleon. Power did not rest with him, although he could and often did influence the ruling class. The Japanese Emperor also was the subject of right-wing hysteria; if he not live up to their vision of a proper Japanese Emperor, they would remove him by assassination. The Imperial Japanese Majesty’s picture was carried in all ships, and went with the first lifeboat when the ship was sunk. The symbol of the Emperor, a Chrysanthemum, would prevent any ship from being sunk by gunfire in firing practice at the end of its useful life until the symbol was removed. The symbol would be stitched into uniforms and headbands, and his name would be invoked time and time again by the military leadership and the rank and file.
