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When I consider the dead and their families, I cannot repress my mental agony.

— Hirohito Draft of undelivered speech (1948)

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More quotes by Hirohito

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

Unite your total strength, to be devoted to construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude, foster nobility of spirit, and work with resolution — so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world.

Gyokuon-hōsō (1945)

After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure.

Gyokuon-hōsō (1945)

When I calmly consider this, the flame of anxiety burns my body. Towards the public, I am deeply ashamed of my lack of discretion... I would like to apologize to successive emperors and people by doing my best for the reconstruction of the nation and people's happiness.

Draft of undelivered speech (1948)

To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart.

Gyokuon-hōsō (1945)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Hirohito (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.