Graduation Date
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Lee Bowker
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Sing Chew
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Donna Schafer
Fourth Committee Member Name
Dr. Sheila Steinberg
Keywords
Sociology
Abstract
The Emperors in Japan were considered as gods for the Japanese people until World War II ended. The Japanese worshiped the Emperors and obeyed whatever the orders were given in the Emperor’s name. However, under the Occupation of the Allied Powers led by General Douglas MacArthur, Emperor Hirohito’s role changed from ‘divine ruler’ to the ‘state symbol’ of Japan, He was not supposed to have any political power over the Japanese people, but his influence was still huge after the defeat. General MacArthur supported the Emperor system in Japan because the General believed, without Hirohito, Japan could not survive the aftermath of the defeat. In fact, the Allies considered that Hirohito was a person who should be executed for the responsibility of the war as General Tojo was. MacArthur persuaded the Allies to approve the Emperor system for Japan’s recovery. My thesis will show how the Japanese felt about the Emperors, especially, the Showa Emperor Hirohito before and after the catastrophic war.
Recommended Citation
Mori, Keiko, "Social Change in the Emperor System" (2005). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2488.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2488