1. Emperor Hirohito

3. Born: April 29, 1901; Tokyo, Japan Died: January 7, 1989; Tokyo, Japan Ruled Japan: 1926-1989 Career Highlights Formed an alliance with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy to form the Axis Powers during WWII Approved the attack on Pearl Harbor Wanted to negotiate an end to WWII after the loss of Okinawa, however his government refused Called a meeting of the Supreme Council on August, 9, 1945 following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki Announced Japan’s unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945 Remained in power (upon the suggestion of U.S. General, Douglas MacArthur) after WWII, but was relegated to a ceremonial role Emperor Hirohito had the longest reign of any Japanese emperor, ruling the nation during a period of tremendous change