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Primary sourcePhotograph21 October 1940

Tojo Bowing to Emperor Hirohito at Yoyogi Review

Unknown photographer · 21 October 1940

A 1940 photograph showing War Minister Hideki Tojo bowing as he receives an imperial speech from Emperor Hirohito during a military review marking the 2600th anniversary of Japan's imperial line.

Shows Tojo as War Minister bowing before Emperor Hirohito, reflecting his position within Japan's military-imperial hierarchy.

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Black-and-white outdoor photo of a military review. An officer in a peaked cap and uniform bows deeply at right, holding a paper, to a standing officer on a white platform. Rows of uniformed officers stand at left, and a sword hangs at the bowing officer's side.
Unknown photographer, Tojo bowing to Emperor Hirohito at Yoyogi military review, 21 October 1940.

About this source

What it is

This is a black-and-white photograph taken on 21 October 1940 at the Yoyogi Exercise Field in Tokyo. It shows War Minister Hideki Tojo bowing deeply as he receives an imperial speech from Emperor Hirohito during a military review held to mark the 2600th anniversary of the enthronement of Japan's legendary first emperor, Jinmu. Chief aide-de-camp Shigeru Hasunuma stands behind the Emperor.

Why it matters

The photo captures the relationship between Japan's military leadership and the Emperor in the years before the Pacific War. Tojo, soon to become Prime Minister, is shown in a posture of strict deference, reflecting the importance of imperial authority in Japanese military culture of the time.

Look closer

  • What does Tojo's posture suggest about his relationship to the Emperor?
  • Why might this review have been staged on such a large scale?
  • What is missing from this ceremonial image about Japan's wider military situation in 1940?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Hideki Tojo on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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