The reign of Emperor Hirohito (1901—1989) lasted from 1926 until his death sixty-three years later. As emperor, he was considered a living god and was worshipped accordingly by the Japanese people. Though Japan had been a constitutional monarchy since the late nineteenth century, with a parliamentary system of government, the emperor had been vested with substantial powers and served as both head of government and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Like those in government and the military leading the country into war in the 1930s, Hirohito was a devoted nationalist who believed in a greater destiny for Japan. But he largely reigned without ruling, allowing government officials to manage policy and politics. Though he had little role in military operations, Hirohito did weigh in on several momentous decisions, including the 1937 invasion of China and the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, approving plans for both and siding with militants pushing the country into war.

Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, many demanded Hirohito stand trial for war crimes and accept full responsibility for Japanese atrocities. Hirohito was likely aware of wrongdoing in China, the Philippines, and elsewhere, but Allied authorities thought his public trial and potential removal from the throne might jeopardize post-war political stability in Japan. Instead, Hirohito agreed to renounce his divinity, an act that reduced the emperor to a powerless figurehead.

Hirohito died in 1989.