In September of 1945 General MacArthur ordered Japanese leaders involved in attacks against the U.S. arrested for trial (Large 135). Emperor Hirohito however is credited at the time with interacting with General MacArthur in a "noble spirited way" taking full responsibility for his actions, and this may have influenced Macarthur's perceived leniency and sparing of the emperor's life (Large 135). Macarthur had concluded however prior to meeting with Hirohito that the Occupation should retain the Emperor to help bring peace and democracy to Japan (Large 135). .

             For Hirohito, the relationship with MacArthur was necessary for Hirohito to help defend "the imperial institution from its critics within Japan and overseas" (Large 136). The relationship also provided the Emperor with a more powerful political position "in relation to stronger military authority after the war" though he would have to use this power to establish and maintain a "new democratic order" (Large 142). Further the Emperor could establish himself as a "symbol" of democracy for the Japanese people (Large 142). The Emperor worked during the Occupation to encourage Japanese citizens to "share the burden together, to help each other to overcome this hard time" (Large 142). Under the Occupation the Emperor became a symbol of democracy, helping communists realize they were "out of tune with public opinion" and hence encouraging greater moderation in their attitude and positions toward Hirohito and his political system of governance (Large 143). Popular support for Hirohito in Japan following the war remained high despite temporary lags as at times like the war trials (Large 143). The Emperor for many in Japan represented "the central pillar in the Japanese Political and economic structure" that was crucial to supporting the political life of the people living in Japan during the time (Large 143; Hayes 153). .

             Hirohito's Japan after the war was more reflective of the Emperor's need to preserve the practical and ideological "continuity" of Japan during the time, which carried along with it much "symbolic importance" (Large 144).