From Publishers Weekly
Written by a Japanese historian, this is an evenhanded if plodding review of Emperor Hirohito's role in national life. At once colorless and highly controversial, Hirohito (1901-1989), we're shown, was vaguely "for peace" in the early days of his 62-year reign and made an attempt to demystify the throne, but he was unable to override court rigidity or control the expansionist tendencies of the militarists, which led to war in China and the attack on Pearl Harbor. Kawahara describes the stormy controversy during the U.S. Occupation over whether the emperor should remain on the throne as a "living god," or be tried as a war criminal. Hirohito's tragic flaw, concludes the author, was his inability to exercise his power as commander-in-chief and check the excesses of the military.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- An easily read biography of the long-reigning Japanese emperor. An awkward, uncoordinated boy, Hirohito was given an imperial education. The limits placed on his power and the political machinations of his prime minister and other advisors before their declaration of war on the U. S. are clearly shown. Hirohito's own views are not available since many official records are incomplete. A listing of prime ministers and cabinets from 1913-1989 is available. Pair this book with Karen Severns' Hirohito (Chelsea House, 1988), which contains photos and an index, for good sources for reports. --Dorothy Addison, Woodlawn School, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
