We hereby open the Imperial Diet and address Ourself to the members of the House of Peers and of the House of Representatives.
It has been Our constant desire that Our Empire and the Republic of China should work in unison in order to ensure the stability of East Asia, and thus attain the common prosperity of Our respective nations. The Republic of China, however, failing utterly to understand the true intentions of Our Empire, indulged in wilful acts of provocation, giving rise at last to the present state of affairs. This is indeed a source of regret to Us.
Now in the face of manifold difficulties, Our armed forces are discharging their duty with loyalty and valour, to no other end than that of urging the Republic of China to reflect on its attitude, so that peace may be speedily restored in East Asia.
It is Our wish, in view of the present extraordinary situation, that Our subjects, united in their faithful service to the State and in their devotion to the Throne, will seek to achieve the purpose of the Empire.
We have instructed the Ministers of State to introduce to the Imperial Diet the urgent additional budgetary and legislative bills. We command ye to strive, in conformance with Our wish, to perform to the fullest measure your appointed task of harmonious deliberation and collaboration.