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SHOWA 23 | JUNE 1948

裕仁は退位するのか？


WILL HIROHITO ABDICATE?

 S Y M B O L   O F   T H E   N A T I O N 

 オー・スネイル 富士山に登ろう でも、ゆっくり、ゆっくり 

O Snail; Climb Mount Fuji But slowly, slowly!

TOKYO, IMPERIAL PALACE — AFTERNOON
_{THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN, Nippon-Nihon}

| Rumors appeared in the Japanese press about a possible abdication of EMPEROR HIROHITO, but the IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD denied it. Such rumors could not be denied, there was a clear reason for it. Even in his pre-war and war splendor, HIROHITO was not worshiped as a personal god, but as a SYMBOL OF THE NATION. Any man who had direct descent to the SUN GODDESS AMATERASU would also have his divine purpose. But now, HIROHITO is tainted for collaborating with Japanese leaders who started a war and were defeated. The EMPEROR’s collaboration will be highlighted when HIDEKI TOJO and other war criminals are brought to justice. |

| His son, CROWN PRINCE AKIHITO, 14, had no collaboration or involvement with war criminals: for the Japanese, he should be the symbol. The prevailing view they had was that HIROHITO would abdicate in favor of his son, with his brother, PRINCE TAKAMATSU, assuming a regency until AKIHITO came of age. Many Japanese who want to preserve the IMPERIAL INSTITUTION are more inclined to support HIROHITO’s resignation. Meanwhile, PRIME MINISTER HITOSHI ASHIDA’s Government imposes new budget cuts on the Imperial Household, sacked some of the Emperor’s officers, who still wore striped pants and tails. Riding his motorcycle through the Palace gardens, the Crown Prince seems to be in no hurry to become a symbol. |