Perceptions of Emperor Hirohito in Post-WWII Japan

The perception of Emperor Hirohito, or more formally, Emperor Showa, among the post-WWII generation in Japan is a complex and multifaceted issue. Known as the “son of the sun goddess”, Emperor Hirohito was once revered as a divine figure. However, his role and the perceived divinity drastically changed following Japan's defeat in World War II.

Divinity and Declaring Modesty

Following Japan's defeat, Emperor Hirohito made a significant declaration—that he was not a deity. This shift marked the beginning of a new era for the Japanese monarchy. While this might seem like a bold statement, especially from a leader many had sincerely believed was divine, it paved the way for a more secular and humanistic approach to the monarchy. The emperor no longer held the same revered status, thus impacting how the Japanese people interacted with and perceived the imperial family.

The modern Japanese often do not discuss or delve deeply into past emperors and their families, a tradition partly rooted in this shift. The imperial family is not frequently highlighted in dramas or music, and their actions are reported in the news in a way that maintains their distance from the publica world, although this doesn't mean they are scandalous topics.

Public Support and Anti-Monarchism

Despite the initial challenges, public support for the imperial family has remained strong, particularly among the older generations. Surveys conducted by reputable Japanese media such as the Yomiuri Shimbun in 1948 showed overwhelming support for the Imperial Family, with 90.3% of respondents supporting the family and only 3.4% calling for the abolition of the monarchy. Over the years, polls on the Japanese Emperor have continued to show positive public sentiment.

The National Health Broadcasting (NHK) conducts regular polls on the Japanese Emperor since 1973. The results have shown a gradual decrease in the number of people who dislike the Emperor. In the 25 years between 1973 and 2013, the percentage who disliked the Emperor ranged from 2% to 1%. In 2018, this number dropped to 0.2%. Furthermore, the poll consistently showed that the majority of Japanese people believe that the current constitutional monarchy should be maintained.

Historical Context and Reactions

The post-WWII era saw Japan grappling with its past actions, including the brutal colonialism and atrocities committed in its colonies. The issue of a lack of apology has been a point of contention, with many arguing that Japan has not adequately addressed its past wrongdoings. Unlike European colonial powers such as the French and British, who faced similar challenges, Japan’s lack of acknowledgment has been a sore point in relations with these countries and their former colonies.

Japanese attitudes towards Emperor Hirohito are often intertwined with their understanding of their country's historical faults. For some, especially those who admire Hirohito, this admiration may be seen as a form of romanticization or denial of the atrocities committed. Critics argue that this admiration equates to supporting the actions of Hitler, given the emperor's oversight of Japan's wartime policies. However, it is important to note that this does not represent the majority of Japanese people and does not overshadow the overwhelming public support for the imperial family.

The perception of Emperor Hirohito in post-WWII Japan is a testament to the evolving relationship between the monarchy and its people. While the past shadows continue to influence public opinion, the bond between the Japanese people and their royal family remains strong.