Quote:
Originally Posted by Klaus
Hirohito's role in the conflict is not clear. He is generally seen as ineffectual, although there was some evidence offered in the 1990's that showed he was an active participant in the war planning. However, to maintain order in Japan, the Emperor was not indicted.
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Before Emperor Hirohito found out that he was exempt from the war trials, he approached Douglas MacArthur. "I come to you, General MacArthur, to offer myself to the judgment of the powers you represent as the one to bear sole responsibility for every political and military decision made and action taken by my people in the conduct of war", he told MacArthur. MacArthur noted Hirohito's courage to accept a responsibility that might mean certain death, and commented that he was "the First Gentleman of Japan in his own right." That said a lot about the Emperor.