Monday, Aug. 27, 1945
Tears
Domei described the scene at which Emperor Hirohito decided to surrender to the Allies: "On the personal initiative of His Majesty, an historical conference was held before the Throne at the Imperial Palace. . . . The conference was attended by Premier Baron Kantaro Suzuki and all other ministers. . . .
"After all stated their opinion, His Majesty was graciously pleased to make the final decision, stating that . . . whatever the future may bring in regard to his personal safety he should not like to see any more of his subjects killed and the country reduced to scorched earth. . . ." Thereupon Hirohito broke down, sobbed, wiped his tears away with his white-gloved hand. His ministers and aides, "profoundly impressed by the gracious concern of His Majesty . . . silently bowed down and wept. Thus the final decision to accept the terms of the Potsdam declaration was taken."
Self-Reproach. Next day Hirohito broadcast an Imperial Rescript to his nation: "Despite the best that has been done by everyone . . . the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage. . . . Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb. . . . We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering the insufferable. . . .
"Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion that may engender needless complications, of any fraternal contention. . . . Cultivate the ways of rectitude, nobility of spirit, and work with resolution so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world." In the homes, shops and offices of Japan the people listened. "Upon hearing his voice," reported Domei, "the 100,000,000 prostrated themselves on the ground and shed bitter tears of self-examination and self-reproach. . . ."
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