The death of Hirohito in 1989 heralded the end of an era, and with that end, a complete view of the Emperor emerged. This perception was a culminative reaction to his actions throughout his lifetime, bringing together the different symbols and elements of his persona.
However, as this perception could not be directly shaped by Hirohito himself, another group became the determining factor of how Hirohito would be remembered and how his relationship with his people would continue. To understand the reaction by the Japanese public to Hirohito's death, one must return to the analysis of the Jewel Voice Broadcast and its results. It connected him not only to his people, but to the mass media. This group had grown steadily since the broadcast and became inseparable from Hirohito's person. While the Emperor had been practically impenetrable before his address to the nation, afterwards he became a public figure, and with that, subject to their analysis. Before Hirohito even passed, they had already dubbed the day of his death X-Day, revealing the power that the press held over his life. However, one must consider what effect truly existed of the media controlling his public image, as they were most often passive and respectful of the leader. According to historian Daikichi Irokawa reporting on the events preceding the Emperor's death, "The entire nation, spurred on by the government and the mass media, seemed to turn to what [some] called 'an archipeligo of sorrow...' Everyone seemed to abide by the unwritten rules of morning." [1] Even though the media had the power to change his image, they largely chose not to, meaning that perhaps Hirohito created his own legacy. |
Following his death, the Japanese public remained quite polite, as they wanted to preserve his image as a great leader. Although Hirohito had renounced his godlike status, he continued to be a symbol of the Japanese people. Their incredible respect for him is revealing about their relationship, as there was nothing stopping the public from changing their views on his actions, or inaction, following his passing. In fact, Hirohito did not even appear in a film until 2005, when "The Sun... broke a local taboo in representing the emperor on screen." [2]
The Emperor was tied so closely to his people that his death did not really mark the end of his existence. Though Hirohito admitted that he was not a divine being, perhaps his divinity existed in his immortality as a symbol of the people of Japan. Shōwa Day, celebrated each year on the anniversary of the birthday of Hirohito, has become a time of reflection on the turbulent period of the Emperor's reign. [3] Hirohito is still a part of the lives of his people because their relationship was not based in specific actions, but instead symbolism. Since the Emperor symbolized the unity of the people, their bond continues to exist as long as the people are united in his name, while people continue to flock to his tomb on Shōwa Day, and schools close in recognition of his efforts. [4] Their acknowledgement of his actions is a reminder of the strength of their bond, even 28 years after his death. |