Hirohito quote

“I desire that concrete plans to end the war, unhampered by existing policy, be speedily studied and that efforts be made to implement them.”

“All men are brothers, like the seas throughout the world; So why do winds and waves clash so fiercely everywhere?”

“Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications, or any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead you astray, and cause you to lose the confidence of the world.”

“I made efforts to swallow tears and to protect the species of the Japanese nation.”

“It is true that I had received information on military operations in advance. However, I only received those reports after the military commanders made detailed decisions. Regarding issues of political character and military command, I believe that I acted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution."

“It is according to the dictate of time and fate that we have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable.”

“They do not depend upon mere legends and myths. They are not predicated on the false conception that the Emperor is divine and that the Japanese people are superior to other races and fated to rule the world.”

“Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith of the imperishableness of its divine land, and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibilities, and the long road before it. Unite your total strength to be devoted to the 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.”

“My gratitude to the people of the United States for the friendly hand of goodwill and assistance their great country accorded us for our postwar reconstruction, immediately following that most unfortunate war, which I deeply deplore.”

“There is no point in living a longer life by reducing my workload. It would only increase my chances of seeing or hearing things that are agonizing.”

“Our peoples withstood the challenges of one tragic interlude when the Pacific Ocean, symbol of tranquility, was instead a rough and stormy sea, and have built today unchanging ties of friendship and goodwill.”