Emperor Hirohito — "We must never forget the lessons of history."

"The war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest."

"They do not depend upon mere legends and myths. They are not predicated on the false conception that the Emperor is divine and that the Japanese people are superior to other races."

"I pray for the continued prosperity of our nation."

"The strength of a nation lies in the unity of its people."

"The enemy, moreover, has begun to employ a new most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives."