Who was Hirohito?
Hirohito, the grandson of Emperor Meiji, was born in Japan on 29th April 1901. His father, Emperor Taisho, came to power in 1912. In 1915 Hirohito was tutored by Kimmochi Saionju, the former prime minister of Japan. As a young man he became very interested natural science and marine biology. When Hirohito visited Europe in 1921 he became the first Japanese prince to travel to the west. He spent some time in Britain and had meetings with George V. Hirohito became emperor on the death of his father in December 1926. He therefore became the 124th emperor in direct lineage. Under the constitution of Japan the Emperor could not act except on the advice of his ministers and the chiefs of staff. However, when a group of officers in the Japanese Army led a military coup against the political leaders in February, 1936, Hirohito ordered his senior advisers, against their wishes, to put the rebellion down. As a result of Hirohito’s action, the ringleaders were executed. Hirohito reluctantly suppo
G’day hw07babygrul, Thank you for your question. Emperor Hirohito or Emperor Showa was the emperor of Japan between 1926 and 1989 and regent for 1921. He is the longest serving emperor in Japanese history and served in that role during World War II making the speech of surrender. That speech was the first time that the people of Japan had heard his voice. After the war, there were demands that he be tried as a war criminal but General Macarthur persuaded people to keep him as emperor. Ironically, he was the longest -lived of any of the heads of state of any of the major powers during the war. Until 1945, he was viewed as a god by his subjects. According to Japanese custom, he is now known as the Emperor Showa corresponding with the era of his rule as Hirohito was his personal name. Showa means enlightened peace. I have attached sources for your reference. Regards Reference Wikipedia Emperor Hirihito
