Hirohito: 'A Happy Experience'

Before he left on his historic journey to the U.S., Emperor Hirohito last week received TIME Bureau Chief William Stewart for an interview. The scene: the pink-carpeted Shakkyo-no-ma ("Stone-bridge") room in the Imperial Palace, which the Emperor uses as an audience chamber. His main points:

ON HIS U.S. TOUR: I have the same keen anticipation to see the U.S. that I had 50-odd years ago [when he first contemplated an American visit]. I don't think the things I wanted to see when I was young will be exactly the same. Circumstances have changed, as well as my position and my status. But I would like to see as many things as time permits.

ON INFLUENCES IN HIS LIFE: I have been profoundly impressed by many people, in particular General Nogi. He was chancellor of the Peers' School [an academy for the children of Japan's aristocracy] when I first attended. I particularly recall this episode when I was a small boy: I met him at a certain place, and he asked me, "How do you come to school when it rains?" And I was just a small boy, so I answered offhand, "I come by horse-drawn carriage." And Nogi said, "When it rains you must come here on foot wearing an overcoat." So he was advocating a very frugal, strenuous, self-disciplined life. That made a profound impression on me.

ON JAPAN IN TRANSITION: Needless to say, Japan is not free from the effects of worldwide trends and events. But I hope Japan will continue to keep the good parts of our ancient traditions and help to build the basis of a lasting peace throughout the world in cooperation with other countries. The world is changing, but I hope Japan will be a peaceful country at home, endeavoring to build good international relationship and developing into a country worthy of respect around the world.

ON A TRIP TO CHINA: If and when a peace treaty is concluded with China I should be very happy if the opportunity came to visit that country. But such a thing should be decided upon only after consultations with the government. So I cannot say anything definite.

ON HIS 50-YEAR REIGN: Oh, there have been many, many things during my long reign. My happiest experience was my visit with the Empress to Europe in 1971. Another happy experience will be my forthcoming trip to the U.S. again with the Empress. The thing I am most proud of is Japan's brilliant rehabilitation since the war. This has been due to the proper policies of our government and to the diligence and hard work of our people. I am very proud of that. The saddest thing was the second World War.

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