Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur: The photo that changed Japan
The photograph taken at the meeting between Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur denotes a significant moment in history. Read on to find out more.
Image: The famous meeting between Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur | Public Domain
The meeting between General Douglas MacArthur and Emperor Michinomiya Hirohito was a significant moment in modern history. It is also a moment that was captured forever in a photograph. That photograph has become a historic symbol, reflecting Japan’s transition from an untouchable divine empire to a democratic country.
Before World War II with Tom Hanks begins on 26 May at 9pm, join us at Sky HISTORY as we dive deeper into the story behind the meeting between Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur. We’ll also take a closer look at both Hirohito and MacArthur individually and how their partnership helped rebuild post-World War II Japan.
Who was Emperor Hirohito?
Emperor Hirohito was the longest ruling emperor of Japan, with a reign lasting from 1926 until his passing in 1989. Hirohito had a significant role in some of the most significant and important moments in Japanese history. He ruled during the Asia-Pacific War and throughout the Second Sino-Japanese War as well as during the rise of militarism in Japan and the country’s post-war growth.
Following the devastation of the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Hirohito called for a surrender. This was done on 15th August 1945, via a radio broadcast. The surrender was officially signed onboard the USS Missouri on 26th September, 1945, the day before the iconic picture was taken.
Who was General Douglas MacArthur?
Douglas MacArthur was a top commander and American general who was instrumental during the Korean War and World War II. From 1945 to 1951, he was in charge of overseeing the occupation of Japan as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.
Much like Emperor Hirohito, MacArthur was influential, if not somewhat autocratic, in Japan’s reformation. He directed the economic restoration of Japan as well as the demobilisation and expulsion of Japanese militarists. MacArthur also oversaw tribunals for war crimes during this time.
MacArthur’s influence didn’t stop at the military and economic structure within Japan. He also had an impact on reforms to the labour, education, women’s rights and public health within the country.
Japan was somewhat under the thumb during this time, with MacArthur putting significant pressure on the emperor to ensure democratic changes. This pressure was also significant to ensure that there would be no more violence against the US.
The meeting of Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur
The meeting between Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur occurred on 27th September 1945, at the United States embassy in Tokyo. The meeting itself was a first for Japan for several different reasons, as was the photograph.
Hirohito was considered a divine figure amongst the Japanese people, but this meeting would soon dispel that propaganda. Hirohito dressed in a Western suit and wore a top hat, emphasising the newfound relationship between Japan and the US.
Before this, no photographers were permitted to go within 20 meters of the emperor. They also had to use telephoto lenses and were not allowed to take upper-body or sideways photographs of Hirohito due to his slight stoop. The photograph broke all of these rules, showing Hirohito’s much smaller frame as he stands rigidly next to a more laid-back and imposing MacArthur.
As well as the photograph, another significant moment during the Hirohito and MacArthur meeting was Hirohito’s decision to take full responsibility for the actions of Japan in World War II. It was likely because of this admission that MacArthur did not have Hirohito tried as a war criminal.
MacArthur purposely left out evidence that would have incriminated Hirohito at the war tribunals, meaning that although war was waged in his name, he was not prosecuted. Instead, MacArthur severely undermined the divine mysticism of the emperor, eventually leading the Allied forces to pressure him to renounce his divinity entirely in 1946.
This photograph was much more than a simple snapshot of a historical meeting. It humanised Emperor Hirohito while also removing the imposing and enigmatic aura that had once surrounded him.
The government in Japan initially banned the picture because of how the emperor was portrayed, but this was soon rescinded by MacArthur. The photograph was then able to be printed in Japanese newspapers to spread this previously unseen side of Hirohito.
Post-War Japan
With his authority significantly affected, Emperor Hirohito and General MacArthur joined forces to bring an era of economic stability to Japan. This period of reformation is known now as the 'Japanese Miracle'.
MacArthur insisted that the emperor stay on the throne to avoid retaliation from the Japanese people, allowing him to become a state symbol. However, his political power was stripped, and MacArthur was the final authority when it came to final decisions. The various widespread political, military, and economic changes across Japan, along with social reforms, were enacted by forces led by MacArthur, leading to a revival of the Japanese economy.
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