The official English translation will be helpful to avoid varying
interpretation such as is evident by comparison of the English texts
[Page 134]
published in the Nippon Times and the Mainichi. Two statements attached prepared by professors of
American Institutions and Government, in Tokyo Imperial University and
in Waseda University,77 give informed and thoughtful analysis of the
Rescript. Dr. Takagi is serving as adviser to a cabinet committee
planning the revision of the Japanese Constitution and has just been
appointed to the Japanese Liaison Committee on Education. Both
professors are authors of well known books.
[Enclosure]
Official Translation of Imperial Rescript,
January 1, 1946
Today we greet the New Year. My thought goes back to the beginning of
the Meiji Era when Emperor Meiji proclaimed the Five Clauses of the
Charter-Oath as the basis of our national policy. It reads:
- 1.
- Deliberative assemblies on a wide scope shall be convened,
and all matters of government decided by public
opinion.
- 2.
- Both the high and the low shall with a unity of purpose
vigorously engage in the conduct of public affairs.
- 3.
- All the common people, no less than the servants of state,
civil and military, shall be enabled to fulfill each his
just aspirations, lest discontent should infect their
minds.
- 4.
- All the evil practices of the past shall be eliminated,
and the nation shall abide by the universal rules of justice
and equity.
- 5.
- Wisdom and knowledge shall be sought throughout the world
to promote the prosperity of the Empire.
What more need be added to these open and lofty precepts? By
reaffirming the Oath, I desire to direct the future course of our
national fortunes: It is my wish that on the lines so indicated, old
abuses shall be discarded, full play be allowed to popular will, all
officials and people be whole-heartedly given to the pursuit of
peace, and enriched culture and learning be attained, and the
standards of living of the people be elevated. Thus shall a new
Japan be constructed.
Devastations wrought by the war upon our cities and towns, the
miseries of its victims, the stagnation of industries, the shortages
of food, and the great and growing numbers of the unemployed are
sorely heart-rending. But as long as the nation faces indomitably
the present ordeal, remains firm in its determination to seek
civilization consistently in peace, and preserves the perfect accord
to the end,
[Page 135]
there is no
doubt but that a glorious prospect will be revealed not only for our
country but for the whole humanity.
Love of the family and love of the country are particularly strong in
our land. With no less devotion should we extend this spirit, and
dedicate ourselves to the love of mankind.
The protracted war having ended in defeat, our people are liable to
become restive or to fall into utter despondency. The extremist
tendencies appear to be gradually spreading, and the sense of
morality is markedly losing its hold on the people. In effect, there
are signs of confusion of thought, and the existing situation causes
me deep concern.
I stand by my people. I am ever ready to share in their joys and
sorrows. The ties between me and my people have always been formed
by mutual trust and affection. They do not depend upon mere legends
or myths. Nor are they predicted on the false conception that the
Emperor is divine, and that the Japanese are superior to other races
and destined to rule the world.
My government will leave no stone unturned to alleviate the trials
and tribulations of the people. At the same time, I trust that my
people will rise to the occasion, and strive courageously for the
development of industry and culture as well as for the solution of
their more immediate problems. If in their civic life my people
maintain solidarity, practice mutual aid and assistance and foster
the spirit of broad tolerance, they will prove themselves worthy of
their best traditions. In this manner, our nation will undoubtedly
render a signal contribution toward the welfare and advancement of
mankind.
The planning for the year is made at its commencement. I confidently
hope that my beloved people will unite with me in my present
resolve, and that they will dauntlessly and unflinchingly march
onward for the accomplishment of the great undertaking which now
confronts the nation.
