The Emperor's new wardrobe (Japan)

Brief History:
To the Japanese people, Emperor Akihito is a figurehead, probably a fun diversion alot like celebrity's here. Judging by the celebration at his birthday and the fanfare about weather his wife will have a son or will a woman ascend the thone, this man is still held with importance. This is simmular to England.

Outside of Japan, the Emperor probably conjures up memories of his dad, Emperor Hirohito who waged war, formed alliances with the Nazis, tortured and killed innocent Chinese, and fought American GI's to the death. Hirohito was still alive during my liftime, passing away when I was 4 years old.



Emperor Akihito sent notice that he doesn't like the Prime Minister visiting the Yaskasuni Shrine which honors the war dead convicted of war crimes. I don't like it either, but it is interesting that the Emperor himself would come out against it. PM Koizumi seems to do it to get under peoples skin, especially in other parts of Asia and it works.

Maybe if Hirohitos son can say that visits to a shrine that honors Japanese war criminals is wrong, maybe theres a little bit of hope. Maybe