Emperor Hito and Japanese History

Cory Simeone, a private history educator, presents a video on Emperor Hito, covering his birth, reign, and death. Hito was born in 1901 and died in 1989. He married Princess Magaka Kuni and had seven children. Hito became emperor in 1926 and reigned for over 60 years. During WWII, Japan allied with Italy and Germany. Despite this, Hito opposed war and played a role in Japan's surrender in 1945. Post-war, he renounced his divinity, marking significant cultural changes. The video concludes with a reflection on these changes and encourages viewers to engage further.

What was the significance of the dignitaries attending Emperor Hito's funeral?

• They were all family members.

• They were former enemies during World War II.

• They were all from Japan.

• They were all from the Axis powers.

Who did Emperor Hito marry?

• His distant cousin, Princess Magaka Kuni

• A European royal

• A princess from China

• A commoner from Tokyo

How many children did Emperor Hito have?

• Four sons and three daughters

• Three sons and two daughters

• Two sons and five daughters

• Five sons and two daughters

What was notable about Emperor Hito's reign?

• He reigned for over 60 years.

• He was the first emperor of Japan.

• He was never officially crowned.

• It was the shortest in Japanese history.

Which countries formed the Axis powers with Japan during World War II?

• China and Russia

• Germany and Italy

• France and the United Kingdom

• Italy and the United States

What was Emperor Hito's stance on the conflict with the Allies?

• He was personally opposed to it.

• He was neutral.

• He was unaware of it.

• He was in favor of the conflict.

What was Emperor Hito forced to renounce after World War II?

• His throne

• His wealth

• His citizenship

• His claims to divinity

From whom were Emperor Hito and his family believed to be descended?

• The goddess Amaterasu

• The Buddha

• The god Zeus

• The emperor of China

What major change occurred in Japanese belief systems after World War II?

• Introduction of a new religion

• Emperor Hito's renouncement of divinity

• Abolishment of all religious practices

• Adoption of Western religious beliefs

How did the Japanese view Emperor Hito and his family before the end of World War II?

• As ordinary citizens

• As divine beings

• As foreign invaders

• As political leaders only