朕
the royal “we”
Kanji 1603
Thank you for visiting this Character Home Page. Below you'll find a synopsis of the essay. If you wish to read the full text, the PDF of the essay is available for purchase to the right.
By focusing on a pronoun that emperors have used for themselves, you enter the world of their pronouncements. Learn why one said it’s as if he were being choked. Enjoy a close reading of the speech Hirohito made when telling his citizens (whom he called his “babies”!) that the war was over. See a photo of the handwritten speech. Also find out why they couldn’t grasp his basic point!
Revision history:
May 25, 2023: I had two instances of "Imperial Rescript on Surrender" and one instance of "Imperial Rescript of Surrender." On p. 4 I changed that "of" to "on."
May 30, 2021:
- p. 1: Updated the photo caption to reflect that Naruhito has replaced Akihito as emperor.
- p. 2: Updated the Henshall etymology.
- p. 4: Added a paragraph to the end of the discussion.
- p. 11: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.
Aug. 31, 2018: Originally published.
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