Hirohito, or Emperor Showa, was the 124th Emperor of Japan.

1. Born: April 29, 1901
2. Died: January 7, 1989
3. Married: Empress Kojun
4. Predecessor: Emperor Taisho
5. Successor: Emperor Akihito
6. First Japanese crown prince to travel abroad
7. His Gyokuon-hoso speech is the first time in Japan's history that an emperor spoke to the common people

Prince Hirohito was born to Emperor Taisho and Emperor Teimei. He assumed the throne on December 25, 1926 after the death of his father.

During the 1930s Japan was increasingly becoming more of a military power and began to seek dominance over Asia. Its invasion of China, and its subsequent alliance with Nazi Germany during World War II were evidence of this desire.

After Harry Truman ordered the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Hirohito surrendered to the allied forces. There were thoughts in Japan that Hirohito might step down as emperor, but General Douglas MacArthur urged him to stay on in his position and head up the reconstruction of the country.

He died from cancer on January 7, 1989 and had a state funeral on February 24.

• Rotten Library: HirohitoWARNING: Not work safe

• William Gropper: Hirohito Cartoon

• Picture Histroy: Axis Leaders Cartoon

• Dartmouth College: Dr. Seuss Hirohito Cartoon

• University of California San Diego: Hirohito Political Cartoon

• • This page was created by David, a Part Time Guide in the Mahalo Greenhouse (see the original), and curated by Susan.

• If you'd like to help us create the best spam free search results on the Internet, apply to be a Part Time Guide!</em>