Japan's Imperial Conspiracy by David Bergamini: An Evaluation

Abstract

The cry of “conspiracy” simplifies historical responsibility by pinpointing guilt to a group of men or to one man while ignoring other complex factors—such as economic and demographical pressures—which contribute to the eruption of historical events. David Bergamini’s Japan’s Imperial Conspiracy points the finger to Hirohito, the supposedly mild bi-spectacled marine biologist, as the true instigator and conspirator of the Pacific War. Bergamini states: “… Hirohito was a formidable war leader: tireless, dedicated, meticulous, clever, and patient. He had inherited from his great grandfather a mission… to rid Asia of white men… “… Hirohito had not only led his nation into war by stamping military orders, but through his coterie, had also intimidated those who opposed him by conniving in bizarre Oriental intrigues, including religious frauds, blackmails, and assassinations… “… Hirohito had worked with a minority, in secret, first to lead Japan to war with the West, then, in defeat, to obscure the record…” Mr. Bergamini develops his thesis by utilizing questionable techniques, a versatile imagination, and a devious methodology which is at best quasi-scholastic in nature.