Status Updates From Hirohito: Emperor of Japan

It was not smooth sailing even when the Emperor had already ordered and Japan had already messaged the Allies that they accept surrender. Factions divided among those who will fight to the death and those who want the war to end. To remove doubt Hirohito taped an address to the entire nation making him the first address his people. War is over.

After 2 atom bombs, Hirohito speaks. He does not care if the provisions are silent on matters of the Imperial System or about his safety. He accepts the Potsdam Proclamation.

Japan wishes peace but not unconditional surrender. She approaches Russia thinking it honest broker. Instead Russia plays both sides to the eventual disfavor of Japan. What got lost in translation is that unconditional surrender to Japan meant the destruction of the emperor and that was unacceptable. Anything else they were willing to lose.

Feeling, realizing, that the war is sure to be lost Hirohito stirs. He looks around for sympathetic ears to make a movement for peace. At the same time he is also advised to be careful in case the Army take it badly.

48 hours before Pearl Harbor, Japan tried sent a declaration of war in advance of the attack if only to show the world, it was war face to face. Also President Roosevelt sent a last minute plea to Hirohito to reign in his armed forces. A message which in author thinks the emperor would have moved positively on.

Both messages were received late by intended recipients by only 1 hour or a little more.

Pact with Germany has been signed with nary a comment from the Emperor. It was signed on the presumption it would prevent America from ever going to war with Japan.

In the US however the Secretary of State and maybe the President too believes an open war with Japan less of a headache than it be neutral and yet inclined to the Axis powers.

The Rape of Nanking; Hirohito isolated; and the desire for an alliance with Hitler's Germany

War with China has began. The sinking of USS Panay almost brought in the United State too. FDR through a letter makes a plea to the Emperor to reign his troops in but it mysteriously gets lost in bureaucracy.

A new government rests on the appointment of a War Minister which the armed services won't give if they dislike the Prime Minister

1936 Rebellion

Rise of army fanatics, political instability, and the birth of the Hirohito's heir

1923 Great Kanto Quake and the Royal Wedding

Hirohito's memorable visit to Europe