Emperor (2012)

Masatoshi Nakamura: Prince Konoe

Photos 

Quotes 

• General Bonner Fellers : So The Emperor does bear responsibility for starting the war?

  Prince Konoe : It's not a black and white issue, General.

  General Bonner Fellers : Millions of people died in his name. Your skies were filled with kamikazes. Atrocities were committed every day, as he expanded his empire - invading, conquering, decimating.

  Prince Konoe : [Standing up]  You incinerated two of our cities, turning our children into shadows on the walls. We are both guilty. Yes, we seized territory in China, but did not Great Britain, even Portugal, precede us? Yes, we took Singapore and the Malaya, but we took it from the British. We did not take the Philippines from the Filipinos, but from the Americans, who themselves took it from the Spanish! If it is an international crime to take territory by force, who convicted the British, French, Dutch and American leaders?... Nobody. And what is different with Japan? Nothing... You see, General, we are simply following your fine example.

  General Bonner Fellers : I don't need a history lesson, Your Excellency.

  Prince Konoe : The only thing I know for certain is, during the war, there was a fever over Japan. I was part of that fever. I cannot give you what you want, General.

• General Bonner Fellers : You know the Emperor well.

  Prince Konoe : As well as anyone can know His Majesty.

  General Bonner Fellers : Was he against the war?

  Prince Konoe : His Majesty is against all wars. He is a pacifist by nature - very gentle.

  General Bonner Fellers : Yet he gave permission for Pearl Harbor.

  Prince Konoe : When Tojo and the militarists took power, His Majesty was... "drawn in". It was a national delusion.

  General Bonner Fellers : Could he have stopped it?

  Prince Konoe : I don't know. I was removed from power by then.