Emperor Hirohito

The enemy, moreover, has begun to employ a new most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives.

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

We must endure the unendurable and suffer what is insufferable.

The Chinese people must understand that Japan's actions are for their own good.

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere is Japan's divine mission.

The war was unavoidable; the Western powers left us no choice.

The peace and prosperity of the world are inseparably linked with the stability of East Asia. The construction of a New Order in East Asia is for the preservation of peace and the promotion of the welfare of mankind.

It is difficult to believe that the American and British forces would surrender unconditionally.

The Imperial Army should not be allowed to expand its operations in China beyond what is absolutely necessary for the maintenance of peace and order.

I am deeply grieved by the many sacrifices and sufferings that have been inflicted upon the peoples of Asia during the war.

It is my earnest desire that the people of Japan will unite as one and strive for the reconstruction and development of the nation.

I consider that the maintenance of peace in the Far East and the establishment of a new order for the welfare of mankind are the basic principles of our foreign policy.

The action of the Kwantung Army in Manchuria was taken without my approval, and I am highly displeased with it.

I bear sole responsibility for the war.

It is unbearable for me to witness the further destruction of my people.

I deeply regret that my country's actions caused such immense suffering to the peoples of the world.

The progress of science and technology should be used for the welfare of mankind, not for destruction.

I have always desired the peace of the world and the happiness of the people.

The spirit of democracy must be cultivated and preserved for the future of Japan.

I hope that Japan will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world through peaceful means.