The Sun recounts the events surrounding two historic decisions made by Emperor Hiro Hito in the summer of 1945: Japan’s unconditional surrender and Hiro Hito’s renunciation of his divine ancestry.
The action takes place at the moment when the American occupation forces, represented by their commander-in-chief, General Douglas MacArthur, decide the fate of both Emperor Hiro Hito and the imperial dynasty.
The Soviet Union wants to see the emperor court-martialed and executed, but MacArthur takes a wiser course of action: instead of having Hiro Hito arrested, he agrees to station guards around the palace. “The Sun” recreates scenes from the emperor’s daily life at the palace and evokes the meeting between two people who share absolutely nothing in common – starting with Hiro Hito’s frail physique and Douglas MacArthur’s imposing stature. Without forcing the Japanese emperor to take specific measures, without threatening or humiliating him, the American general eventually manages to obtain what he wants.