Hirohito

Reign: 1926 – 1989
Life: 1901–1989

He reigned during a period of increasing Japanese nationalism and militarism, culminating in the entry of the Empire of Japan into World War II as an Axis power. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki led Hirohito to announce the surrender of Japan to the Allies in August 1945. The Constitution of Japan, adopted on November 1946, emphasizes pacifism and constitutional monarchy, in contrast to imperialism and absolute monarchy. Hirohito reigned for 62 years and 13 days, the longest reign in Japanese history and the 12th longest verifiable reign in world history.

During Hirohito's reign, Juliana of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, George V ruled Great Britain, and Gustaf V of Sweden ruled Sweden.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower by Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.

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From the library

Go deeper on Hirohito

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

A History of Japan: From Stone Age to Superpower

Mikiso Hane & Louis Perez

A clear textbook-style history covering emperors, shoguns, and Japan's modern transformation.

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A Modern History of Japan
Andrew Gordon
Gordon's widely used survey from the Tokugawa shogunate through Japan's rise as a world power.
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