Well, even an Emperor can theoretically be sentenced to death, which probably would have gone a long way in showing the Japanese that he (and the family he is a descendant of) are no Gods, but mere mortals.
I say that because I think it is highly debatable (and it is debated among experts) that the role of Hirohito in WWII and the previous imperialist aggressions of Japan in Asia was, as you described it, helpless against the fascist military. Even those militarists back then thought of him as as God - and they wanted to extend his Empire and reign. So it is likely that he could have stopped them very easily and put an end to aggression.
That's why many people still think his role in WWII and before is heavily downplayed, especially by the Japanese themselves who will stop at nothing to have his image remain untarnished, and "corrected" in their sense, even today.
But there are some proven documents saying that he was indeed participating in military planning, had a war room inside the palace, was wearing military garb throughout the war, and even initiated and oversaw the atrocities Japan committed in Nanking (medical experiments) due to his personal interest in science and biology.
There is a photograph of Hirohito in full military garb on a white horse which is a huge taboo in Japan, and basically censored.
There is little proof because the Japanese managed to destroy most evidence around the days of the capitulation and the US military not having access to the palace even after Japan declared defeat. But logically, and by common sense, it just doesn't add up when people say Hirohito had God status in Japan and head of the military, but at the same time he was totally powerless AND clueless about what went on.
In my opinion, this is an (ongoing) effort to whitewash the Emperor's name from all guilt, and unfortunately, the US Administration wasn't interested in really reforming Japan and get rid of its right-wing lunatics in order to have an Anti-Communist firewall. This might bite the Western world in the buttocks, in the long run.
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JayCeezy
10 years ago
You are ridiculous in your argument. The poster gave you facts, proving you incorrect in your wrongly held views. You claims of "theoretically sentenced to death" and "highly debatable" are the kind of deflection that narcissists often engage in, rather than admit they were wrong and destroy their self-image of brilliance and righteousness. Good luck with all that.
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escadamausgaby
10 years ago
As you resort to the fallacy of ad hominem, why should I take you seriously. If you are really interested in the topic, and not just a Japanese troll, pick up the widely acclaimed work by Herbert Bix on the topic of Hirohito, and then you'll be able to discuss this on an adult level, because it leaves no other conclusion than Hirohito deserving the death penalty:
Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan by Herbert P. Bix
Link: http://amzn.com/0060931302
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Augustus_Octavian
9 years ago
Unlike the Germans, the Japanese did not surrender unconditionally. The Allies are not entitled to execute the Emperor given their prior reassurances of his personal safety.
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