The “Hiro” of the Sun had a confusing and mysterious role in World War II and expansion of Japan. He reigned during periods of economic unrest, defeat, and global war. During these times to many of his people, he was concluded as “emperor of heaven.” Hirohito was born on April 29, 1901, in Tokyo, Japan. After World War II and not been convicted of any war crimes during WW2, he had the longest rule (1926-1987) and was a very controversial figure based on historians.

Hirohito was born in a Palace called Aoyama in Tokyo. His parents included Emperor Taisho, who was the 123rd Emperor of Japan and died in 1926 where his son succeeded him, and Empress Teimei. Later in his life, he developed a peculiar fascination on marine biology. He wrote books about it once. In 1921, he took a vibrant tour to Europe visiting King George V. He seemed ecstatic about the trip and he was more than satisfied with the royal family. After his trip, he became a regent for his father. Around 1924, he married his soon to be empress, Nagako Kuni. The couple would later go to have 3 daughters and 2 sons, which of the two sons included emperor of Japan, Akihito.

Assuming office at about age 25, in 1926, his father was physically deteriorated during the end of his reign, he preferred to live in a shadow of his grandfather, Emperor Meiji. He took the reign name Showa, meaning Enlightened Peace. After the death of his father, social relations with other countries disappeared. Being considered at the time as divine, but he actually had no power. He barely decided on National Policy.  In some cases, people believe he did not affect the war effort, and he reluctantly supported the invasion of Manchuria. He uplifted the idea of expanding social relationships with US and Britain. He had no choice of approving the attack on Pearl Harbor and the declaration of the war. In contrast to military war generals, Hirohito advocated on Japanese peace. On the radio, he announced the surrender of World War II, and this was his introductory speech since this was the first time that Japanese citizens heard the voice of their emperor.

Some Allied authorities wanted to arrest Hirohito. Eventually, this would never happen. In the post-war years, he traveled countrywide to see reconstruction in Japan. Hirohito died of cancer on January 7, 1989, and had a reign of a total of 63 years. His son, Akihito, succeeded him and is currently the emperor of Japan.