English subtitles for clip: File:Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War.ogg
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1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:07,500 After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in our empire today. 2 00:00:07,500 --> 00:00:14,000 we have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. 3 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:26,500 We have ordered our government to communicate to the governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union. 4 00:00:26,500 --> 00:00:32,500 that our empire accepts the provisions of their joint declaration. 5 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:49,500 To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by our imperial ancestors and which lies close to our heart. 6 00:00:49,500 --> 00:01:01,000 Indeed, we declared war on America and Britain out of our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, 7 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:08,500 it being far from our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. 8 00:01:08,500 --> 00:01:12,000 But now the war has lasted for nearly four years, 9 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:20,000 the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of our servants of the state, 10 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:27,500 and the devoted service of our one hundred million people. 11 00:01:27,500 --> 00:01:35,000 the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. 12 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:51,500 Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. 13 00:01:51,500 --> 00:01:56,000 Should we continue to fight, 14 00:01:56,000 --> 00:02:01,000 not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, 15 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:05,000 but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. 16 00:02:05,000 --> 00:02:15,000 Such being the case, how are we to save the millions of our subjects, or to atone ourselves before the hallowed spirits of our imperial ancestors? 17 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:23,000 This is the reason why we have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the joint declaration of the powers. 18 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:33,000 We cannot but express the deepest sense of regret to our allied nations of East Asia, who have consistently cooperated with the Empire towards the emancipation of East Asia. 19 00:02:33,000 --> 00:03:00,000 The thought of those officers and men as well as others who have fallen in the fields of battle, those who died at their posts of duty, or those who met with untimely death and all their bereaved families, pains our heart night and day. 20 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:11,200 The welfare of the wounded and the war-sufferers, and of those who have lost their homes and livelihood, are the objects of our profound solicitude. 21 00:03:11,200 --> 00:03:26,000 However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable. 22 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:34,000 Having been able to safeguard and maintain the Kokutai, We are always with you, our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity. 23 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:44,000 Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications, 24 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:58,500 or any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead you astray and cause you to lose the confidence of the world. 25 00:03:58,500 --> 00:04:07,000 Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith in the imperishability of its sacred land, and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibility, and of the long road before it. 26 00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:15,000 Unite your total strength, to be devoted to construction for the future. 27 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:18,500 Cultivate the ways of rectitude, foster nobility of spirit, and work with resolution, 28 00:04:18,500 --> 00:04:37,000 so that you may enhance the innate glory of the imperial state and keep pace with the progress of the world.