At the close of World War II, the United States
agreed that Japan could retain the emperor, but only
on the condition that he renounce his divinity. When
the governments of Great Britain and the Soviet Union advocated
that Hirohito be tried as a war criminal, General Douglas
MacArthur, the supreme commander of Allied occupation forces
in Japan, argued that the emperor had a greater grasp of democratic
principles than most other Japanese and that his presence
was vital to the success of Allied occupation policy. That recommendation
was upheld. On New Year’s Day, 1946, the emperor
issued a rescript denying his divinity. To many Japanese of the
era, however, he remained a divine figure.
HIROHITO, RESCRIPT ON DIVINITY
In greeting the New Year, we recall to mind that the Emperor
Meiji proclaimed as the basis of our national policy
the five clauses of the Charter at the beginning of the
Meiji era. . . .
The proclamation is evident in its significance and high
in its ideals.We wish to make this oath anew and restore the
country to stand on its own feet again. We have to reaffirm
the principles embodied in the Charter and proceed unflinchingly
toward elimination of misguided practices of the
past; and keeping in close touch with the desires of the
people, we will construct a new Japan through thoroughly
being pacific, the officials and the people alike obtaining rich
culture and advancing the standard of living of the people.
The devastation of the war inflicted upon our cities, the
miseries of the destitute, the stagnation of trade, shortage of
food, and the great and growing number of unemployed are
indeed heart-rending, but if the nation is firmly united in its
resolve to face the present ordeal and to see civilization consistently
in peace, a bright future will undoubtedly be ours,
not only for our country but for the whole of humanity.
Love of the family and love of country are especially
strong in this country. With more of this devotion should we
now work toward love of mankind.
We feel deeply concerned to note that consequent upon
the protracted war ending in our defeat our people are liable
to grow restless and to fall into the slough of despond. Radical
tendencies in excess are gradually spreading and the
sense of morality tends to lose its hold on the people with
the result that there are signs of confusion of thoughts.
We stand by the people and we wish always to share with
them in their moment of joys and sorrows. The ties between
us and our people have always stood upon mutual trust
and affection. 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.
Our Government should make every effort to alleviate
their trials and tribulations. At the same time, we trust that
the people will rise to the occasion and will strive courageously
for the solution of their outstanding difficulties and
for the development of industry and culture. Acting upon a
consciousness of solidarity and of mutual aid and broad tolerance
in their civil life, they will prove themselves worthy
of their best tradition. By their supreme endeavors in that direction
they will be able to render their substantial contribution
to the welfare and advancement of mankind.
The resolution for the year should be made at the beginning
of the year. We expect our people to join us in all exertions
looking to accomplishment of this great undertaking
with an indomitable spirit.
Source: John David Lu, Sources of Japanese Tradition (New York: McGraw-
Hill, 1974), vol. 2, pp. 190 –191; from New York Times, January 1, 1946.
World History
