Japanese Emperor Hirohito, riding a white horse, leads a procession of officers on a visit to Japanese troops engaged in training. They turn at a Torii (ceremonial gate). Troops are seen in formation and marching in precise formation. Next the emperor is seen wearing a white hat with a white plume, as he reviews a unit of mounted cavalry. Japanese soldiers take Calisthenics en masse in an open training ground. Closeup of Emperor Hirohito riding with an accompanying officer.Various views of the Emperor, one wearing a cloak. He speaks to assembled soldiers. Again, he is seen astride the white horse, wearing the ceremonial hat with white plume. He is followed by two officers, one of whom also wears a cap with white plume. The emperor walking to a podium followed by officers. He salutes and begins to speak. Profile of the Emperor speaking. A Shinto gate (Torii) is seen as the film concludes.
The strafing and bombing of Japanese installations in the Pacific Theater by the U.S. aircraft during World War II. Aerial view of the target area. Smoke rises from explosions on the ground. Buildings on the ground. Smoke arises from explosions on the island as seen from gun camera footage of U.S. aircraft attacking Japanese enemy targets.
A Japanese karyūkai hairstylist styling women’s hair into traditional Nihongami hair. A hairstylist straightens a woman’s long hair using comb. Hairstylist combs the hair at the back of the head to create a long loop underneath the topknot. Hairstylist combing the sides of a woman’s hair. Hairstylist creates the topknot while woman holds a metal frame in her head. Hairstylist adds a clip on the back of a woman’s hair. Japanese woman looks into a hand mirror to admire herself.
A Japanese hairstylist demonstrates the traditional Nihongami hairstyling. Hairstylist ties the topknot of a woman’s hair. Hairstylist cuts the styling string using her teeth. Stylist places a hair donut to make the topknot more voluminous. Stylist uses comb to neaten topknot into place. An assistant holds the girl’s long ponytail as the stylist adds hair extenders. Hairstylist folds and ties ponytail to make an elaborate hair bun. Hairstylist completes the look by placing a floral headpiece on a woman in kimono and Nihongami hairstyle. Japanese woman uses a hand mirror to check herself after the hairstylist added hair ornaments. Rear view of Japanese woman’s Nihongami hairstyle. Hairstylist uses a comb, rolling another client’s hair into a bun. A happy Japanese woman in traditional kimono attire and silk hand fan. A client with hair knots turns around.
Ruins in a Japanese city after Allied bombings of World War II. People pulling carts. Damaged and bombed-out buildings. Japanese people walk past debris. A burned train.
April 1, 1946: “Operation “Road’s End.” View from the Destroyer, USS Everett F. Larson (DD-830) as it accompanies Imperial Japanese Navy submarines headed out of Sasebo Bay, headed to "Point Deep Six," (reportedly about 60 km west of Nagasaki and off the Gotō Islands) where they are to be scuttled by demolition charges and/or gunfire from the Larson or the USS Nereus (AS-17) (not seen). Captain Bell and Commander D.A. Mckee are seen on deck of the Larson with a Japanese interpreter who is issuing instructions to the skeleton Japanese crews through a megaphone. Views of the submarines underway.