Hirohito Born: Japan's Emperor Through War and Rebirth
Hirohito became Emperor of Japan at 25 and presided over the conquest of Manchuria, the invasion of China, Pearl Harbor, and the atomic bombings — all while the official line was that he was a constitutional monarch with no real power. Historians still argue how much power he actually had. What's documented: he made the radio address in 1945 telling Japan to surrender, the first time most Japanese had ever heard his voice. Born April 29, 1901, in Tokyo.
April 29, 1901
125 years ago
What Else Happened on April 29
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