Meaning: The quote "They do not depend upon mere legends and myths. They are not predicated on the false conception that the Emperor is divine and that the Japanese people are superior to other races." by Emperor Hirohito addresses a significant shift in Japan's national identity and ideology following World War II. This transformation was a direct result of Japan's defeat in the war and the subsequent occupation by Allied forces, primarily the United States. The quote reflects the repudiation of the divine status of the Emperor and the rejection of the notion of Japanese racial superiority, both of which were central tenets of the pre-war Japanese government's propaganda and ideology.

Emperor Hirohito's statement signifies a break from the traditional narrative of Japanese exceptionalism, which had been cultivated by the government and military during the first half of the 20th century. The belief in the divine status of the Emperor, known as "kokutai," was a cornerstone of the imperial system and was used to legitimize the Emperor's authority and Japan's expansionist policies. This concept was deeply ingrained in Japanese society, and the Emperor was revered as a deity by many. The idea of Japanese racial superiority, often propagated through education and media, further entrenched the belief that Japan was inherently superior to other nations and races.

However, the defeat of Japan in World War II and the subsequent occupation led to a reevaluation of these beliefs. Under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Japan underwent a series of reforms aimed at democratizing the country and dismantling its militaristic and imperialist infrastructure. One of the key components of this transformation was the revision of the Japanese constitution, which explicitly renounced the divinity of the Emperor and emphasized the sovereignty of the people.

Emperor Hirohito's quote reflects this new direction and the acknowledgment of the need to move away from the myths and falsehoods that had been perpetuated by the pre-war regime. By disavowing the divine nature of the Emperor and the concept of Japanese racial superiority, the statement signals a departure from the ideological underpinnings of the imperial era. Instead, it aligns with the principles of the new democratic Japan, which sought to embrace universal values of equality, human rights, and peaceful coexistence with other nations.

This shift in ideology also had profound implications for Japan's relationship with the international community. By rejecting the notion of racial superiority, Japan sought to distance itself from its aggressive and expansionist past and to demonstrate its commitment to peaceful and cooperative relations with other countries. The repudiation of the divine status of the Emperor further symbolized Japan's willingness to embrace a modern, secular form of governance that was in line with the principles of the post-war world order.

In conclusion, Emperor Hirohito's quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in Japan's history, marking a decisive break from the ideological constructs that had guided the country during its imperialist phase. The rejection of myths and false conceptions, as articulated in the quote, reflects Japan's introspection and reorientation in the aftermath of World War II, as it embarked on a path of democratization, reconciliation, and engagement with the global community.