Emperor Hirohito

I hope that future generations will build upon the foundations we have laid.

The spirit of perseverance is vital for overcoming challenges.

It is important to cultivate understanding and respect among all peoples.

I have always tried to act with sincerity and integrity.

The strength of a nation lies in the unity of its people.

I am deeply grateful for the devotion of the Japanese people.

May Japan continue to flourish.

The war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage.

I regret that my dog has better manners than some of my generals.

Biology is more interesting than politics.

The Americans have too many electric lights.

I did not know about the comfort women.

It was not clear to me that our course was unjustified. Even now I am not sure how historians will allocate the responsibility for the war.

The fruits of victory are tumbling into our mouths too quickly.

I made efforts to swallow tears and to protect the species of the Japanese nation.

Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications, or any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead you astray, and cause you to lose the confidence of the world.

One should be cautious in starting a war, but once begun, it should be carried out thoroughly.

Japan underestimated China. It is most wise to end the war quickly and seek to build up our national strength for the next ten years.

They do not depend upon mere legends and myths. They are not predicated on the false conception that the Emperor is divine and that the Japanese people are superior to other races.

You can't imagine how much more work I had when I was a god.