Episode 227 – The Measure of an Emperor, Part 2

February 3, 2018

Young Hirohito goes on trips, serves his first turns in politics, and gets married! Join us as we look at the future emperor’s first steps into the life that he never really had a chance to choose for himself.

Listen to the episode here.

Sources

Bix, Herbert. Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan.

Wetzler, Peter. Hirohito and War: Imperial Tradition and Military Decision Making in World War II Japan.

Large, Stephen. Emperor Hirohito and Showa Japan: A Political Biography.

Images

A postcard commemorating Hirohito’s trip to Europe with a map of his route.
Hirohito being met at Victoria Station upon his arrival in London.
Hirohito and King George V in the royal carriage.
Hirohito during his time in England.
Hirohito with the members of the British government. To his left is PM David Lloyd George.
Hirohito and his distant cousin/wife, Crown Princess Nagako.
Hirohito at the time of his enthronement in sokutai (traditional court clothes).