8 replies to this topic

[Ives]

This topic is a controversial issue in Japan, and after some research on the emperor of Japans emperor Showa (Hirohito). When emperor Showa recieved a surgery, due to tradition, he was not allowed to be told of his condition (cancer) and he sat there dying, feeling painful, having random internal bleeding, and what not.

Should they be able to tell the emperor? It seems only fair, and even though it is a tradition, Hirohito broke many of the emperors traditions as it is (for example not claiming divinity.)

[Christopher Robin]

yesh, they should. its his right to know, if someone shouldnt know, its the PEOPLE

[Ives]

yesh, they should. its his right to know, if someone shouldnt know, its the PEOPLE

Exactly. they dont tell the people though.

[Sakura]

Well, I can see why he and the public aren't told. It would show weakness in a man placed by the gods. =/
But, yes, he should know. I can only imagine the fear he felt.

[Ives]

Well, I can see why he and the public aren't told. It would show weakness in a man placed by the gods. =/
But, yes, he should know. I can only imagine the fear he felt.

Though hirohito even stated he was not divine to the public.

[Sakura]

Though hirohito even stated he was not divine to the public.

Yeah, but this was the first time in history. I'm sure they just didn't want to break another tradition. >.<

[Ives]

Yeah, but this was the first time in history. I'm sure they just didn't want to break another tradition. >.<

His funeral even broke a tradition by not being shinto purely.

[SupermanFTM]

The people knew he could get ill then, why not tell the emperor that he himself had cancer? Seems silly to me, it's not like he hadn't broken other traditions(thanks Athean)

[Ives]

The people knew he could get ill then, why not tell the emperor that he himself had cancer? Seems silly to me, it's not like he hadn't broken other traditions(thanks Athean)

Well he was 87, so he knew something was happening. But it would be weird to die not knowing how you did.