Final answer:
The correct answer is (A) Hirohito, whose death in 1989 marked the end of the Showa period in Japan. He was the emperor during significant events such as WWII and Japan's subsequent economic rise.
Step-by-step explanation:
The death of Emperor Hirohito in 1989 marked the end of the Showa period in Japanese history. Hirohito ascended to the throne in 1926, succeeding his father, and his reign saw significant events including Japan's aggressive military expansion leading up to World War II and the country's subsequent defeat and occupation by Allied forces. Post-war, Japan experienced rapid economic growth and reintegration into the international community under Hirohito's reign.
Option (A) Hirohito is, therefore, the correct answer. He was succeeded by his son, Emperor Akihito. Emperor Meiji, mentioned in Option (B), was Hirohito's grandfather, who ruled during the Meiji Restoration and passed away in 1912. Option (C) Akihito and Option (D) Naruhito are Hirohito's son and grandson respectively, who ascended the throne after the periods in question had ended.