Emperor Hirohito

The thought of the people suffering under the present circumstances causes me great pain. How can I, as a ruler, possibly bear to see my subjects so distressed?

I am deeply pained by the thought of the people who have suffered and are suffering under the present circumstances. The more I think of the arduous struggles of the officers and men of Our Army and Navy who have bravely fought in the various theaters of war, the more I am deeply distressed.

It is our intention to bear the unbearable and endure the unendurable.

I consider that the war was brought to an end by the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is true that the Soviet Union's entry into the war was also a factor, but the atomic bombs were the primary reason.

I cannot truly express my joy at seeing the people's faces, especially those of the children. This is the first time I have been able to experience such a thing.

I am not a god, but a man.

I am deeply grateful for the kind understanding of the American people and the generous assistance rendered for the reconstruction of our country.

My memory is not always clear on these matters.

I regret the outbreak of the war and the suffering it caused. I wish that such a thing had not happened.

I have always tried to be a constitutional monarch, acting within the bounds of the constitution.

The prosperity of the people is my greatest wish.

The path of peace is the only path for humanity.

I wish for the happiness of all peoples of the world.

Learning is a lifelong pursuit.

I am deeply interested in marine biology, and I have devoted much of my time to its study.

The natural world holds many mysteries yet to be uncovered.

I believe that science can contribute to the understanding of the world and to human welfare.

Even in the strongest currents, one must strive to keep one's footing.

The future of Japan rests on the shoulders of its youth.

It is important for all people to work together for the common good.