Emperor Hirohito's Cult of Emperor Ideology (Japan)

Definition

This ideology, prevalent during the reign of Emperor Hirohito in Japan, emphasized the divine status and absolute authority of the emperor. It was a key component in promoting nationalism and militarism leading up to and during World War II.

Analogy

Think of this like being a superfan for a celebrity or sports team. Just as superfans believe their favorite star can do no wrong and should be respected above all others, followers of the Cult of Emperor Ideology believed that their emperor was infallible and deserved unquestioning loyalty.

Related terms

Shintoism: The traditional religion of Japan which emphasizes nature, ancestor worship, and the divinity of the emperor.

Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion or allegiance to a nation or nation-state.

Militarism: The belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.