Emperor of Japan (born 1901) from 1926 to his death in 1989. Hirohito’s reign was marked by rapid militarization and aggressive wars against China and the United States. Following the devastating result of the atomic bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima in World War II, he renounced his divinity in favor of a democratic constitutional monarchy. Official letter of state, in Japanese, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 9.25 x 12.5, dated “ninth day of the tenth month of the sixteenth Showa year” (October 9, 1941). Letter reads, in full (translated): “By the Grace of God, Emperor of Japan, placed on the Throne eternally held by the same Dynasty; Hail to all who will see these letters!
Having examined the officially recognized letters dated April 11, 1941 from His Excellency Mr. Manuel Avila Camacho, President of the United States of Mexico, by which [the letters] he has named Mr. Carlos Gutierrez Macias Consul General of Mexico at Yokohama, with consular jurisdiction over all Japan Empire, at the exception of Hyogo, Nara, Kyoto and Osaka Prefectures, We have recognized him in such and We have granted him all privileges relative to his duties. We consequently order to the proper Authorities to give to Mr. Carlos Gutierrez Macias all necessary assistance in the exercise of his duties, in accordance to the present exequatur.
Witness my hand and official Empire seal, in our Imperial Palace in Tokyo, this ninth day of the tenth month of the sixteenth Showa year, corresponding to year two thousand six-hundred one of enthroned Emperor Jimmu.” Signed at the conclusion by Hirohito, and countersigned by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Teijiro Toyoda. In fine, bright condition, and accompanied by a French translation and its original envelope.
Reliant on America for over 80% of its oil, Japan faced a major crisis when the US and Britain initiated a complete embargo of all resources to the island nation in 1941. Though outwardly supportive of the Allied forces, Mexico’s long ties with Spain (led by fascist dictator Francisco Franco) left many of its citizens sympathetic to the Axis powers. In control of a massive oil reserve and focused on maintaining their own stability above all else, Mexico remained open to the idea of carrying out the lucrative trade with Japan. Several discussions between the two nations took place during October and November of 1941, but when Japan launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December, immediately involving the United States with full force, Mexico withdrew from negotiations. This stunning letter of state from Emperor Hirohito is one of only two from this crucial year in Japanese history that has come up for auction in the last forty years! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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