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Hirohito: The War Years
A reinterpretation of the history of the 20th century Japanese expansionism and Emperor Hirohito's role. He reveals the special relationship that was forged between the Emperor and General MacArthur and how their mutual respect and cooperation affected the rehabilitation of Japan. He tells how MacArthur personally intervened to urge that the Emperor's militant role remain a secret so that no trial as a war criminal would deprive MacArthur of the Emperor's extremely valuable influence in the recovery program and perhaps doom it to failure. The author points out how all major decisions in the course of the war were made by the Emperor, a fact carefully covered up by the one of the most skillful public relations campaigns in history directed by Lord Privy Seal Kido.
263 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1986
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About the author
Paul Manning
3 books5 followersPaul Manning was an American broadcast journalist. He worked closely with Edward R. Murrow during World War II as a correspondent for CBS Radio, and with the Mutual Broadcasting System later on in the war.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 29, 2019
As an Asian Studies graduate that studied the Imperial Japanese Empire intensely, this is one of the most spellbinding and succinct historical accounts of Japanese involvement in WWII I have ever read. It makes me want to seek out other older works from wartime historians that were actually present at the frontlines - writers who actually shook hands with leaders before they became war criminals, or were in the same rooms where they overheard sensitive private discussions between top leaders. I love that Paul Manning was actually on board the USS Missouri for the incredibly momentous occassion when the Japanese leaders and their Emperor were escorted to officially sign the terms of their surrender. Manning's description of the atmosphere, the clearness of the sky, the appearances of the defeated Emperor and MacArthur together on that deck... it's really something else. It painted me a clear picture of the war and the faces behind it. It gave me chills. Manning can also tell you about the time when he flew a B-29 from Guam to document bombings in the Japanese mainland. And when he was in Iwo Jima witnessing soldiers eat around a fire. These are absolutely not observations you can get from your modern historical scholarship, which would deal much more clinically with statistics and quotes.
That is not to say that Manning's book doesn't include many valuable sources/evidence for serious historiographical analysis. It does! And he weaves it in deftly to aid the progression of the chronological narrative of the war.
There are many excerpts of primary source documents such as decrypted messages sent between Japanese ambassadors, spies, or messages sent between MacArthur and US Government/Army officials. He gives a very insightful look into the politics of the day, including key strategic details like personnel within the US and Japanese governments that were incompetent, outspoken, or had vested interests that altered the strategic direction of major decisions. Put simply, Manning, being actually from that era and able to get close with many of those people, were able to truly convey a sense of their personalities in his writing.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable book to read because it comes off more like a very long feature article than a journal article. One must obviously be aware of any bias from a primary source historical account written with literary flair and conviction - but in this case, I think it is a safe bet to trust Paul Manning. He writes so well, and he immediately reminded me of someone like Edward R. Murrow - a world-changing journalist of the highest calibre who happens to be from the same time as Manning. Lo and behold, Manning is actually a protege of Murrow's! He was recruited by Murrow to work for CBS News. The quality of this work, therefore, makes complete sense.
That is not to say that Manning's book doesn't include many valuable sources/evidence for serious historiographical analysis. It does! And he weaves it in deftly to aid the progression of the chronological narrative of the war.
There are many excerpts of primary source documents such as decrypted messages sent between Japanese ambassadors, spies, or messages sent between MacArthur and US Government/Army officials. He gives a very insightful look into the politics of the day, including key strategic details like personnel within the US and Japanese governments that were incompetent, outspoken, or had vested interests that altered the strategic direction of major decisions. Put simply, Manning, being actually from that era and able to get close with many of those people, were able to truly convey a sense of their personalities in his writing.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable book to read because it comes off more like a very long feature article than a journal article. One must obviously be aware of any bias from a primary source historical account written with literary flair and conviction - but in this case, I think it is a safe bet to trust Paul Manning. He writes so well, and he immediately reminded me of someone like Edward R. Murrow - a world-changing journalist of the highest calibre who happens to be from the same time as Manning. Lo and behold, Manning is actually a protege of Murrow's! He was recruited by Murrow to work for CBS News. The quality of this work, therefore, makes complete sense.
September 5, 2015
I am by no means an expert on World War II, let along the role that Japan played in the war. Thus, I found this book to be a fascinating introduction not only into that side of the conflict, but the culture and politics of Japan in the 1940s.
Perhaps most surprising to me was the depiction of General MacArthur, who comes across as surprisingly liberal in his attitudes and intellectual in his understanding of the interconnectedness of politics, economics, culture, and military strategy. Manning was clearly deeply impressed by MacArthur, and his obvious admiration of the man does lead me to question the objectivity of his portrayal.
The book does bog down a bit towards the end as the economic restructuring of the country is detailed. While interesting in its own way, I lack the macroeconomic background to truly appreciate it.
All that said, I wish the book had been longer. Major events were often touched on only briefly, and more time spent with the principal players may have strengthened my investment in their actions and their consequences. Still, an excellent window into this part of history.
Perhaps most surprising to me was the depiction of General MacArthur, who comes across as surprisingly liberal in his attitudes and intellectual in his understanding of the interconnectedness of politics, economics, culture, and military strategy. Manning was clearly deeply impressed by MacArthur, and his obvious admiration of the man does lead me to question the objectivity of his portrayal.
The book does bog down a bit towards the end as the economic restructuring of the country is detailed. While interesting in its own way, I lack the macroeconomic background to truly appreciate it.
All that said, I wish the book had been longer. Major events were often touched on only briefly, and more time spent with the principal players may have strengthened my investment in their actions and their consequences. Still, an excellent window into this part of history.
December 21, 2014
A very revealing book into the mastermind behind Japan's WWII operations. Much of it discusses his upbringing, the calculating and studious mind the emperor hid behind his unassuming demeanor, and it reads more like a story than a biography,
Manning was the first American journalist to land in Japan, so the perspective is more realistic than an armchair historian. On the other hand, I think this may have biased his perspective a bit, as Hirohito's involvement seems a bit exaggerated.
Manning was the first American journalist to land in Japan, so the perspective is more realistic than an armchair historian. On the other hand, I think this may have biased his perspective a bit, as Hirohito's involvement seems a bit exaggerated.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews