The Emperor's Imperial Rescript

Author: Yasushi Yasuda
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: The Emperor's Jewel Voice Broadcast is set against the backdrop of a series of historical events surrounding Japan's defeat, including the announcement of the Potsdam Declaration, the convening of Imperial Conferences, Emperor Hirohito's meeting with Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers Douglas MacArthur, the formation of the Imperial system, the drafting of the Peace Constitution, and the establishment of the post-war regime. It provides a meticulous analysis of the Gyokuon-hō (Emperor's Speech of Surrender) as a unique historical text, exposing the fact that the Emperor sacrificed the Japanese people to preserve the "national body" and clarifying the responsibility of Emperor Hirohito for the aggressive war. It also unmasks the "truth/lie" structure in the discourse practices of the United States and Emperor Hirohito before and after the Tokyo Trial, each pursuing their own interests. The publication of The Emperor's Jewel Voice Broadcast is a continuation of the Tokyo Trial, and Yasuda's trial completes the unfinished work of the Tokyo Trial.