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A review by tohko
Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan by Herbert P. Bix
2.0
Originally bought this book to gain insight into the personal life of the Showa Emperor, but instead it read more like a Japanese military account of World War II.
Bix mainly focuses on building the strong yet controversial argument for the extent of the Emperors involvement in the war, and his failure to be made accountable for war crimes during the Tokyo Trials of 1946.
However he fails to give the reader any insight into the radical social transition between imperial to modern Japan, the effect of the atomic bombings, and the American occupation.
Overall left with a better understanding of the fervent nationalism that gave rise to the Asia-Pacific War, the religious and secular roles of the monarchy, and the militaristic nation-state,
but still left wanting for a more profound reflection of Hirohito's life how it shaped post-war Japan.
Basically a pretty dry and convoluted listing of dates and events, no wonder it took me 3 years to finish this.
Bix mainly focuses on building the strong yet controversial argument for the extent of the Emperors involvement in the war, and his failure to be made accountable for war crimes during the Tokyo Trials of 1946.
However he fails to give the reader any insight into the radical social transition between imperial to modern Japan, the effect of the atomic bombings, and the American occupation.
Overall left with a better understanding of the fervent nationalism that gave rise to the Asia-Pacific War, the religious and secular roles of the monarchy, and the militaristic nation-state,
but still left wanting for a more profound reflection of Hirohito's life how it shaped post-war Japan.
Basically a pretty dry and convoluted listing of dates and events, no wonder it took me 3 years to finish this.