Hirohito

Date of Birth: April 29, 1901

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 7, 1989

Biography

Hirohito, posthumously referred to as Emperor Shōwa, was the 124th emperor of Japan, serving from December 25, 1926, until his death on January 7, 1989. Born into the Japanese imperial family, he ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Emperor Taishō. Hirohito’s reign saw significant events, including Japan’s militarization and expansion during the early 20th century, its involvement in World War II, and the country’s subsequent surrender and post-war reconstruction. Hirohito was a controversial figure due to his role during World War II, with debates surrounding his level of responsibility for Japan’s wartime actions. After the war, his image was transformed from that of a divine ruler to a constitutional monarch with limited political power, as stipulated by Japan’s 1947 constitution. Despite the turbulent times, Hirohito remained a symbol of continuity and stability for Japan. His era, known as the Shōwa period, was marked by significant social, economic, and technological advancements that shaped modern Japan.

5 Interesting Facts about Hirohito

1. Hirohito was the longest-reigning emperor in Japanese history, serving for 62 years.

2. He was the first Japanese crown prince to travel abroad, touring Europe in 1921.

3. Hirohito became the first Japanese emperor to address his people directly via radio, announcing Japan’s surrender in World War II on August 15, 1945.

4. During his reign, Japan transitioned from an imperial power to a democratic nation with a constitutional monarchy.

5. Hirohito had a keen interest in marine biology and published several scientific papers on the subject.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hirohito

1. “Endure the unendurable and suffer what is insufferable.” (From his surrender speech in 1945)

2. “The war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage.”

3. “We have resolved to endure the unendurable and suffer what is insufferable.”

4. “The fruits of science and technology should be used to promote peace and not to create more weapons of war.”

5. “History is not something that can be rewritten.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his reign, Hirohito’s wealth was difficult to estimate due to the nature of imperial holdings, but it is believed that the imperial family’s assets were worth billions of dollars in today’s currency.

Children

Hirohito and his wife, Empress Kōjun, had seven children: 1. Princess Shigeko (1925–1961) 2. Emperor Akihito (born 1933) 3. Prince Shigeko (1935–) 4. Princess Kazuko (1929–1989) 5. Princess Atsuko (1931–) 6. Prince Masahito (born 1935) 7. Princess Takako (1939–)