Portraits of Power: Hirohito-The Chrysanthemum Throne

The narrator says that, for centuries, Japan's way of life was ordered by Shinto. The film talks about Hirohito's visit to Europe in 1921. It says that Japan was composed of two world, one of traditional ancient Shinto and its practices, and the other of modern industrialization.

It goes on to say Japan was being taken over by a Fascist/Imperalistic clique. They used the symbol of the Emperor to gain the support of the people. It also talks about Japan's eyeing China as a source of resources for Japan. Then it goes into the Japanese linking up with the Axis powers.

Then it covers the attack on Pearl Harbor. It very quickly covers the rest of the war years. It also briefly mentions Japanese atrocities during the war, and the firebombing of Tokyo.

Then the film moves on to the occupation of Japan. It then talks about how Communist agents in Japan tried to mess things up.

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