Saturday, December 16, 2006

Kings and Emperor in Japan

Kings and Emperor in Japan


BBC has reported something about a "King" coming to Japan again.
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6183755.stm)

There have been no kings in Japan since the early sixth century when some Japanese chieftains sent envoys to then superpower China for authorization for the King of Japan (then called "Wa").

Those chieftains are historically regarded as ancestors of the Imperial Family of Japan that has been enjoying its unbroken line since then to date.
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There are two different Japanese expressions that are translated into the single expression emperor.

Japanese Emperor is called "Ten-nou (or Ten-no)," but all the other emperors, such as the Roman Emperor, in the world are called "Kou-tei (or Ko-tei)" in Japanese.

Meaning of Kanji letters used for each is not so different.

The key to understanding this arrangement lies in relationships between ancient China and Japan.
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There are 30,000 Shinto shrines in Japan; and the religion of the Imperial Family of Japan is also a Shinto. Shinto could give deity to any deceased, including fallen soldiers.

January 1 is the day for Shinto: the most special day in Japan.



"AT ONCE THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE"