Showa Tenno Monogatari（Emperor Showa’s Story）

In 1945, Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration and faced defeat in World War II. General MacArthur from the GHQ (General Headquarters) arrived in Japan and arranged a historic meeting with Emperor Hirohito, known posthumously as Emperor Shōwa. MacArthur expected the Emperor to beg for mercy, but he encountered something quite unexpected. Emperor Hirohito declared, “All responsibility rests with me.” Deeply moved and intrigued by this response, MacArthur wondered about the true nature of Japan and the character of Emperor Hirohito himself. This pivotal moment serves as the starting point for the manga Showa Tenno Monogatari, tracing Emperor Hirohito’s life back to his childhood. Reading this manga makes clear that its intention is not to justify Japan’s involvement in the war. War itself should never occur, but it remains a historical truth that such dramas and internal struggles unfolded during wartime, particularly within the Emperor himself. As Showa Tenno Monogatari is based on historical facts, although there may be some dramatization, it generally remains faithful to reality. Manga is a fantastic medium precisely because it can vividly illustrate complex historical events and emotions in an easily understandable visual form. The strength of Showa Tenno Monogatari lies not only in spotlighting the Emperor, but also in its detailed portrayal of how corrupt and power-hungry politicians made decisions that tragically sacrificed the Japanese populace. Additionally, readers will gain insight into Japan’s culture and societal norms at the time, especially regarding the treatment of the Emperor and women. Anyone seeking to understand Japanese history or the reasons behind Japan’s entry into World War II should absolutely read this manga.

May 29, 2025