Why did Hirohito appoint Tojo as prime minister?

[NormanStewart]

@xfilesfc

The declaration of war was by the Emperor himself, (published December 8th, 1941 Japan time) it begins:

“WE, by the Grace of Heaven, Emperor of Japan, seated on the throne occupied by the same dynasty from time immemorial, enjoin upon ye, Our loyal and brave subjects: We hereby declare war on the United States of America and the British Empire…”

The Rescript goes on to describe going to war as a “the task bequeathed by Our forefathers” for “the glory of Our Empire.”

The text of the entire thing for those interested:

America at war! (1941– ) (Part 1)

[american.flag] [tomwoodburn.recruitment] Sammy Kaye’s Sunday Serenade (NBCR), December 7, 2 p.m. EST: Great Plays: The Inspector General (NBCB), 2 p.m. EST: Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (December 7, 1941) NPM 1516 Z 0F2 1830 0F3 0F4 1F0 O (U R G E N T) FROM CINCPAC DATE-TIME OF ORIGIN 070758A December TO FOR ACTION CINCLANT TO FOR INFORMATION (INFO) CINCAF OPNAV AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL DISTRIBUTION: 38… ACTION. 10/11… 12… 13…