Until Japan’s defeat in World War II, the Japanese emperor was worshipped as a god.
The imperial family claimed its right to rule Japan because they were descended from Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
The legendary first emperor of Japan was Jimmu-tenno, who conquered and united parts of Japan with the help of the gods some time in the fourth century.
The imperial family has maintained an unbroken line for almost 1,500 years.
In 1989, Emperor Akihito became emperor and is said to be the 125th in his line.
Related Posts
-
Why was Roman Emperor Septimius Severus known as “the African Emperor”?
The first of the African Roman emperors, Septimius Severus ruled Rome from 193 to 211 A.D. He was born in April of 146 in the ancient city of Lepcis Magna, now modern day…
-
Was Empress Himiko a Chinese emperor or a shaman queen of Yamataikoku in ancient Japan?
Empress Himiko was not a Chinese emperor, according to Japanese history books, although there has been much debate on the subject. The first recorded ruler of Japan was a woman, Empress Himiko, say…
-
What Was the Worst Natural Disaster To Hit Japan and Why Does Japan Have So Many Earthquakes?
In 1923, an earthquake struck near Tokyo and Yokohama, killing more than 130,000 people and destroying most of both cities. More recently, in 1995, the city of Kobe, Japan, was devastated by a…
-
How many people live in Japan and why is Japan’s population declining?
Japan's population is expected to drop to 95 million by 2050. In 2011 about 127,960,000 lived in Japan, and in the 2010 census the population of Japan was 128,056,026. Yup, that means the…
-
Were ancient Chinese imperial Eunuchs sensitive about their shortcomings?
Chinese imperial Eunuchs in ancient China had the reputation of being sensitive about their shortcomings, yes. Common derogatory nicknames for eunuchs such as Old Rooster or Old Earl were never actually spoken in…
-
How Many Native Americans Still Live In Oklahoma and Which Tribes Did They Descend From?
Oklahoma is home to about 272,000 Native Americans, who make up almost 8 percent of the population. Many are descended from the 67 tribes that lived there when the state was Indian Territory.…
