Emperor Hirohito- Man of the Century?  
 
    Time Magazine 7/7 issue --
 

TIME 100 - Who Should Be the Person of the Century?

Time’s continuing series of special issues on the 100 most
influential people of the 20th century will culminate in December,
when we will name a single figure as the Person of the Century.  To
help the magazine’s editors make the choice, we are asking a select
group of people to tell us whom they would pick.  Here are the latest
thought provoking nominations.
 

Hirohito, Emperor of Japan - Manifesting wisdom and honor, the
emperor’s era of showa (enlightened peace) spanned the greater part
of a 20th century during which the struggle between war and peace
raged.  A decade ago, I witnessed firsthand the final moments of the
showa era with the emperor’s death, and I was highly honored to have
been charged with the profound responsibility as government spokesman
of announcing the name of the new era of imperial rule, heisei, which
means ‘achieving peace.’  Thus the legacy of emperor showa lives on
in his son, emperor Akihito.  We must all make the utmost effort to
live up to the name of the era and devote ourselves to ensuring that
the approaching new century is truly one of global peace and
prosperity.  [!!!???]   - Keizo Obuchi, Prime Minister, Japan
 

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