17,394
edits
Changes
explain name usage--it's standard outside Japan to call him Hirohita and not some kind of error
{{Japanese characters}}
{{Japanese characters}}
'''Emperor Shōwa''' (昭和天皇 ''Shōwa Tennō'') (29 April 1901 – 7 January 1989) was the 124<sup>th</sup> [[Emperor]] of [[Japan]] in the [[List of japanese emperors|traditional count]] of order of succession, who reigned for 62 years from 25 December 1926, until his death, making his reign, the Shōwa era (昭和), the longest of any [[Japanese]] Emperor. During his era, (Shōwa era) Japan went from a fairly rural country to one of the economic powers of the world.
'''Hirohito''' or the '''Emperor Shōwa''' (昭和天皇 ''Shōwa Tennō'') (29 April 1901 – 7 January 1989) was the 124<sup>th</sup> [[Emperor]] of [[Japan]] in the [[List of japanese emperors|traditional count]] of order of succession, who reigned for 62 years from 25 December 1926, until his death, making his reign, the Shōwa era (昭和), the longest of any [[Japanese]] Emperor. During his era, (Shōwa era) Japan went from a fairly rural country to one of the economic powers of the world.
==The Emperor's Name==
==The Emperor's Name==
It is important to note that although he is frequently referred to by his personal name, '''Hirohito''' (裕仁), especially outside Japan, this is actually incorrect. During his life, in accordance with Japanese custom, the living Emperor's personal name is never used. He would have been referred to only as "His Majesty the Emperor" (天皇陛下 ''Tennō Heika''), but the title could be shortened to ''Heika'' (陛下 "Your Majesty").
It is important to note that outside Japan he is usually referred to by his personal name, '''Hirohito''' (裕仁), the Japanese have a very different practice. During his life, in accordance with Japanese custom, the living Emperor's personal name is never used. He would have been referred to only as "His Majesty the Emperor" (天皇陛下 ''Tennō Heika''), but the title could be shortened to ''Heika'' (陛下 "Your Majesty").
After his death, his definitive posthumous name, Shōwa Tennō (昭和天皇 "Emperor Shōwa), was announced on 31 January 1989. The name coincides with the era of ''Shōwa'' (昭和 "Enlightened Peace") which was the name attributed to his reign and is the name by which the Emperor is known within Japan.
After his death, his definitive posthumous name, Shōwa Tennō (昭和天皇 "Emperor Shōwa), was announced on 31 January 1989. The name coincides with the era of ''Shōwa'' (昭和 "Enlightened Peace") which was the name attributed to his reign and is the name by which the Emperor is known within Japan.