The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1926-12-24

Emperor Yoshihito Harunomiya,
123rd male successor TO the Imperial
throne of Japan, was born August
81, 1879 and on his eighth birthday
was nominated by his father, Nut
suhito. as the heir apparent of the
son Of Heaven
Emperor YoshihitO was the third
son of Yanigawara, handmade, one
of the eight princisses Of noble blood
who became members of the house
hold of Emperor Mutsuhito when it
was seen that no heir was to be
expected of the Empress Haruko.
Crowned in 1915
He was crowned Nov. g. 1915. Is
years after his nomination as heir
apparent and three years after the
death of his father. For while he
took a vigorous interest in the af
fairs of his office and enjoyed sew
eral forms of outdoor sports. but
reports were circulated from time to
time that an affliction dating from
his infancy was making serious in
roads upon his health.
In 1921. five years after his corO-
nation. it became common knowledge
that the emperor was suffering from
a complication of diseases which had
undermined his mentality and prac-
tically incapicated him for the res
possibilities attached to his throne
Yielding to public pressure, he
consented on Nov. %, 1921 to de
signate his son, Crown Prince Hro-
hito. as Regent of Japan. whereupon
the Emperor relnquished the reings
of government and retired to seclu-
sion.
Popular Ruler
Yoshhito was one of the most pop
ular rulers of Nippon. When crown
ed, 10000 poems were written i'll his
honor. His father was an admirer OF
Western civilization and the son con-
tnued his plocy. Mutsuhito. how
ever. among other things, abhorred
cameras and electric lights. During
his lifetime Chiyoda Palace in Tokyo
was lighted by candles and oil lamps.
The new Emperor upon his acces-
photography and equipped the palace
with push buttons, electric lights and
other appliances. A crack billiard
player, he installed American and
English tables in his royal home
and for relaxation from the cares
of state INDUCED in spirited games
with the court chamberlains. He was
also an ardent motorist, bicyclist
and horseback rider.
The young Emperor was noted for
his benevolent traits. He celebrated
his ascension to the throne by pro
mitigating a decree of amnesty to
many prisoners and giving 100000
to charity. Some years later during
The rice shortage. he contributed So
000. 900 to fund to buy food for the
poor.
Had Advanced Ideas
Educated at the MOBILES School in
Tokyo, Yoshihitos training was sup
plemented by the work of tutors
He spoke English French and Ger
man and was an excellent conversa-
tionalist. holding, it is said. "advanc-
ed ideas of world peace and in.
ternational morality" Two elder
brothers died when he was a child
and thus made him the Heir Ap-
parant. Upon their passing he was
decorated with the Grand Order or
Merit and received a commission as
Colonel in the Imperial Royal Guards.
Subsequently he became Lieutenant
General in the Japanese army AMI
Vice Admiral in the navy
On May 1G, 1900, the Emperor
who was then Crowd Prince, mar
ried the Princess Sadako Fudjiwara
Three sons were born to them the
present Crown Prince MichiNo-Miya
Hirohito, born April 90 1891. Prince
Atsu. born June 25, 1902 and Prince
Tenu, born January 3. 1905. 1t is