imperial-education
The systematic training and lifelong learning process designed to prepare Hirohito for his role as emperor, including lectures on history, law, economics, and court rituals.
2 chapters across 1 book
Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan (2000)Herbert P. Bix
This chapter examines Hirohito's regency during the 1920s and early 1930s, focusing on his comprehensive education that combined moral instruction based on Emperor Meiji's virtues with pragmatic teachings in statecraft and international law prioritizing national interest. It also explores efforts to enhance the imperial institution's public presence and legitimacy through media exposure and symbolic tours, such as Hirohito's 1923 visit to Taiwan, which reinforced both domestic imperial authority and colonial rule.
Chapter 2, titled 'Cultivating an Emperor,' explores the educational and ideological formation of Emperor Hirohito, emphasizing the conservative and militaristic influences shaping his upbringing. It discusses the role of tutors, historical narratives, and political theories that framed the emperor's understanding of his role within Japan's imperial and national polity. The chapter also examines the interplay between myth, history, and political legitimacy in the construction of imperial authority during the Shōwa era.