Informal picture of the Imperial family playing a board game (1950s). Crown Prince Akihito left; Empress Kojun centre; Emperor Hirohito right.

Hirohito; the Showa Emperor ;(April 29; 1901 - January 7; 1989); was the 124th emperor of Japan according to the traditional order; reigning from December 25; 1926; until his death in 1989. Although better known outside of Japan by his personal name Hirohito; in Japan he is now referred to exclusively by his posthumous name Emperor Showa.

At the start of his reign; Japan was one of the great world powers and one of the five permanent members of the council of the League of Nations. Emperor Hirohito headed Japan's imperial expansion; militarization; and involvement in World War II. After the war; he was not prosecuted; but remained emperor; though with significantly reduced power.