Hirohito was the longest living ruler in modern history – he served as the emperor of Japan for nearly 63 years. By ascending the ‘Chrysanthemum Throne’ following his father’s death, he became the 124th emperor of Japan at a time when Japan was undergoing financial crisis and when military power was on the rise within the government. Though he never openly supported the hideous actions of the overpowering military, he never legally opposed their actions as well, making his involvement in the matter highly debatable. By entering a treaty with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, he was successful in invading and seizing numerous regions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including Dutch East Indies, New Guinea, Philippines, and British Singapore. He was also successful in launching a surprise bombing on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. However, the Americans retaliated and defeated the Japanese troops by dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He became a popular national symbol after the war. He administered a democratic rule, making public appearances and permitting photos and stories of the royal family to be published in newspapers and magazines. He also made efforts to resurrect Japan after the war and helped rebuild Japan, turning it into the world’s second largest economy. He also helped establish political stability in the country.