Showa: The Age of Hirohito

by Dorothy Hoobler, Thomas Hoobler

A biography of the Japanese emperor who began as a divine ruler, but accepted his postwar role as "symbol of the state"

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler, a married couple who have written numerous books together, were drawn to this story of great writers inspiring each other collaboratively. Their most recent novel, In Darkness, Death, won a 2005 Edgar Award. They live in New York City.

Series:
* Samurai Detective
* Century Kids
* Her Story
* Images Across The Ages
* American Family Album

Reviews

[Codepoetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Japanese emperor Hirohito, who claimed direct descent from the legendary Shinto sun goddess Ameratsu, ruled over Japan during the second World War. This well written biography covers Hirohito's early years and details his involvement in the great tragedies leading up to the Japanese surrender at the end of the second World War.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book on the history of Hirohito, starting from before he was even born. The author of the book is one of the people that definitely believes that Hirohito took an active part in the planning and prosecution of the Japanese aggression, ranging from China on. Either he supported the activities, or he said nothing and let them take place.


The book has something I have not read anywhere else. After MacArthur got established in Japan, Hirohito came to him and was willing to take the blame for the war and to be arrested and prosecuted, perhaps even executed. That Hirohito was so open with him was one reason why MacArthur took him off the list of war criminals.


The book also includes the immediate post-war reconstruction, and later times right through the death of Hirohito. It's a very good book, well written and interesting.