After his enthronement in 1928 Emperor Hirohito of Japan became, in the eyes of his people, a living god. But to the Allies in the Second World War he was, along with Hitler and Mussolini one of the three most hated men in the world. After
Japan's defeat there were calls for his trial as a war criminal. Yet by the time of his death early this month, he was portrayed by the new Japan as a benign father-figure and keen marine biologist. Veteran journalist and author Edward Behr , after a two-year personal investigation, re-examines the most enigmatic leader of the 20th century using eye-witness accounts, diaries of contemporaries privy to him in key situations, wartime records and previously unseen archive film. What emerges will call not only for a reassessment of the Emperor, but also the myth that lies behind him. Film editor MIKE JACKSON Executive producers
PETER ARMSTRONG. JENNY BARRACLOUGH Producer ANTHONY GEFFEN BBCElstree
0 CEEFAX SUBTITLES
0 PETER BROOKES : page 22