What did Emperor Hirohito say over the radio?
Unite your total strength, to be devoted to construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude, foster nobility of spirit, and work with resolution – so that you may enhance the innate glory of the imperial state and keep pace with the progress of the world.
Why is it called the Jewel voice broadcast?
On August 15, 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender of Japan to his people in the “Jewel Voice Broadcast,” or “Gyokuon-hoso.” This was the first time an emperor had ever addressed the nation by radio, and Hirohito delivered the speech formal, florid Japanese.
Did Emperor Hirohito think he was a god?
Before the end of the second World War, Emperor Hirohito was considered by the Japanese to be a living God. And the first time most of his people heard him speak, it was to surrender.
Did Emperor Hirohito speak English?
It is likely that Hirohito studied a bit of two or three foreign languages. Likely Chinese and French or German. Later in his life he would have ample exposure to English, but not much is known about whether he took any formal classes. Hirohito was the first emperor to have actively traveled out of the country.
What made Hirohito surrender?
On August 15, that voice—heard over the radio airwaves for the very first time—confessed that Japan’s enemy “has begun to employ a most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is indeed incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives.” This was the reason given for Japan’s surrender.
What did Emperor Hirohito believe?
Emperor Hirohito’s path to making that political decision was scarcely straight. Through May 1945, he believed a major Japanese military victory must precede any move toward peace, or Japan’s hopes for something other than unconditional surrender would be vain.
Does Japan still worship the Emperor?
The short answer is “No. The Japanese emperor is not a god.” While deeply revered as the descendants of the sun goddess, emperors were never worshiped as living gods except for a short period during the build up to WWII[x].
Who is god in Japan?
Kami is the Japanese word for a god, deity, divinity, or spirit.