Imperial Rescript on the Tripartite Pact

To enhance justice on earth and make of the world one household is the great injunction, bequeathed by our [Imperial] Ancestors and which we lay to heart day and night. In the stupendous crisis now confronting the world, it appears that endless will be the aggravation of war and confusion, and incalculable the disasters to be inflicted upon mankind. We fervently hope that the cessation of the disturbances and the restoration of peace will be realized as swiftly as possible.

Accordingly, we commanded our Government to deliberate on the matter of mutual assistance and cooperation with the Governments of Germany and Italy which share in the views and aspirations of our empire. We are deeply gratified that a pact has been concluded between these three powers.

The task of enabling each nation to find its proper place and all individuals to live in peace and security is indeed one of great magnitude, unparalleled in history. The goal lies still far distant. Ye, our subjects, clarify evermore the concept of national polity; think deeply and look far; unite in heart and strength, and surmount the present emergency, to assist thereby in the promotion of the Imperial fortune coeval [with] heaven and earth. September twenty-seventh, the fifteenth year of Showa (1940).