Vocabulary

• tradition
• samurai
• kamikaze
• unconditional surrender

Discussion Questions

1. What are some important ancient Japanese traditions and ceremonies?
2. What was the chief religion in Japan in the 1900's? Who is the chief religious figure in Japan? What is the name for the chief political figure in Japan? How are rulers of Japan chosen?
3. How was the Emperor of Japan perceived by the public? How did the military convince the Japanese people to support plans for increasing Japan's military and naval strength? Why didn't anyone oppose this campaign?
4. Why did Japan attack China in the 1930's? Did Hirohito agree or disagree with this plan? What was the "Rape of Nanking?" What did this incident reveal about Hirohito's control over the military commanders and soldiers in China?
5. What was the significance of the Tripartite Pact? What countries were involved in this pact?
6. Who was General Tojo? What role did he play in Japan's military history and Japan's involvement in World War II? What happened to Japanese military generals after World War II?
7. Who suffered most for the Japanese military's successes and failures in the 1930's and 1940's?
8. Who were the kamikazes? What was their purpose? What was their motto?
9. At what point was the Japanese military convinced they should surrender to the Allies? At what point did Hirohito believe the Japanese should surrender to the Allies? What happened on August 6 and August 9, 1945? Why did these events take place?
10. Why didn't the United States want Hirohito to abdicate the throne after World War II? What are some of the positive and negative aspects of Hirohito's decision to remain on the throne?
11. How did Hirohito's image change in Japan after World War II? How has Japan changed since World War II?

Extended Activities and Projects

1. Draw a map of the Far East. Include Japan, China, southeastern Russia, Korea, Indochina, and the Philippines. Also include major cities and sites of major battles.
2. In what ways did Hirohito have a passive view of the role of the Emperor in Japan? Choose 2-3 events in which Hirohito did not act upon his beliefs. Outline Hirohito's opinion, the military's opinion and what actually happened.
3. What are some of the different images or myths Japanese and foreigners have of Hirohito? Choose one and explain why you think this image or myth exists and if you think it is accurate. Explain your answer in a drawing, political cartoon, mobile or storyboard.
4. Do you think Hirohito was responsible for Japanese atrocities during World War II? Should Japan still feel guilt today for the atrocities committed in World War II? Choose one question, split into two groups and debate: one group should argue yes and the other, no.