Pacific Overtures1976

Reciter:
[as Emperor Meiji] The day when others speak for me is past! From now on, my word shall be law, and mine alone. I am the Emperor Meijii! Rise and listen - rise! No more will we draw sword, one Japanese against another. Those who have committed murder in my name have been misguided. In the future they will be restrained - along with those who have encouraged them! Rise! From this day forth, all Samurai will put aside their swords, and cease to wear their crested robes. They will take up useful trades. Rise! Yes - in the name of progress, we will turn our backs on ancient ways, cast aside our feudal forms, eliminate all obstacles which hinder our development! We will organize an army and a navy, equipped with the most modern weapons. And when the time is right, we will send forth expeditions to visit with our less enlightened neighbors. We will open up Formosa, Korea, Manchuria, and China. We will do for the rest of Asia what America has done for us!