Emperor Hirohito of Japan

Biography

Emperor Shōwa, personal name Hirohito, was Emperor of Japan from 25 December 1926 until his death on 7 January 1989. He reigned during a period of increasing Japanese nationalism and militarism, culminating in the entry of the Empire of Japan into World War II as an Axis power. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki led Hirohito to announce the surrender of Japan to the Allies in August 1945. Under pressure from the Allies, he issued the Humanity Declaration in January 1946, rejecting the divinity of the emperor as a descendant of Amaterasu. The Constitution of Japan, adopted in November 1946, emphasizes pacifism and constitutional monarchy, in contrast to imperialism and absolute monarchy. After the war, he reigned over a period of unprecedented economic growth known as the Japanese economic miracle. Hirohito reigned for 62 years and 13 days, the longest reign in Japanese history and the 12th longest verifiable reign in world history.

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Awards & recognition

Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic · 1982
Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose of Finland · 1942
Order of the Garter · 1929
Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece · 1928
Collar of the Order of Charles III · 1923

Show all 26 awards →

Royal Order of the Seraphim · 1919
Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
Fellow of the Royal Society
Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
Order of Ojaswi Rajanya
Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei
Order of Sikatuna
Order of St. Andrew
Order of the Bath
Order of the Elephant
Order of the Golden Fleece
Order of the Golden Kite
Order of the Most Holy Annunciation
Order of the Orchid Blossom
Order of the Rajamitrabhorn
Order of the Rising Sun with Paulownia Flowers, 1st class
Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st Class
Order of the Southern Cross
Order of the White Eagle
Royal Victorian Order