General of the Imperial Japanese Army Baron Sadao Araki narrates the film. Japanese flag is seen behind Baron Sadao Araki. Aerial view of clouds. Smoke emanates from volcanoes in Japan. Ripples being made in a lake or pond. A map of Japan. View of a Japanese waterfall. Trees grow on rocky cliffs by a river. View of the summit of Takachiho in the Kirishima Mountains (霧島山, Kirishima-yama) in Kyushu, Japan. Rice grows in a rice field in Japan. A print of the enthronement of Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan. View of the Entrance to the Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮, Ise Jingū 1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Mie 516-0023, Japan). People crossing a traditional Japanese bridge. View of the two giant “married couple rocks” (Meoto Iwa 夫婦岩575 Futamichoe, Ise, Mie 519-0602, Japan) that are joined by a Shimenawa rice-straw rope in Futami, Mie, Japan. View of the Kashihara Jingu Shrine (橿原神宮934 Kumecho, Kashihara, Nara 634-8550, Japan) in Nara, Japan. View of the Torii gate at Atsuta Shrine (熱田神宮, Atsuta-jingū 1 Chome-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 456-8585, Japan) in Nagoya, Japan. Torii gate of the Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan) in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. View of the Nijubashi Bridge inside the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds (1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan). View of the Kyoto Imperial Palace (3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0881, Japan) in preparation for the coronation of Emperor Hirohito. Banzai banners decorate the imperial palace. Japanese archers in traditional garb, carrying their bows. Emperor Hirohito’s procession makes its way to his coronation in Kyoto. Two 18th Century coaches bearing the Imperial Seal of Japan, also known as the Chrysanthemum Flower Seal (菊紋, kikumon) head the procession, accompanied by a mounted honor guard. Also in the procession is the Kashikodokoro (enshrining the Imperial Regalia) being carried by young men from the village of Yase, near Kyoto.
Aftermath of a C-124 plane crash in Japan that killed 129 United States servicemen. Policemen carry dead bodies on litter. People throng around the plane wreckage as rescue operations continue. Dead bodies covered with clothes lined up in a field.
American airmen of the Strategic Air Command learn judo in Japan to be in top physical condition. The airmen learn self defense methods of judo. They learn the basics of the ancient art of judo from Japanese instructors. They practice judo in a hall.
Japanese Crown Prince Akihito returns home after his world tour. People gather at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport (Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan) to greet him. The Prince disembarks from a Pan American World Airways plane (“Strato” Clipper Queen of the Pacific). Cameramen take his photographs. Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida is seen. Crown Prince Akihito greets dignitaries.
Japanese student protest at Chuo University in Tokyo, Japan. Banner in Japanese read “Chuo University Neighborhood Association”. Young boys throw stones and swing sticks. They listen to a young man speaking into microphone. Police arrives to control the mob. Students enter a building with flags in their hand.
Emperor Hirohito's garden party at his palace in Tokyo, Japan. Emperor Hirohito's post war garden party is attended by 1500 guests. The Imperial family, government officials, foreign dignitaries and diplomats gather in the palace gardens. People talk and laugh. Traditional pageantry in view.