The Legendary Emperor Who Founded Japan
This day in history
On February 11th, Japan celebrates National Foundation Day commemorating the creation of their nation. Many nations have days that celebrate important events, mark significant dates or celebrate independence but very few countries celebrate a foundation day. That is because, for the vast majority of humanity, nations come and go, land exchanges hands, people migrate and cultures shift.
The same cannot be said for Japan.
Japan has never been conquered. Many of its traditions, religious beliefs and history stretches back in an unbroken line into the mists of time. China has had the largest effect on Japan throughout the years but other than that, very few cultures have made any significant impact on the island nation.
It is no wonder then that the Japanese people would celebrate their country emerging from the Age of the Gods with the creation of their islands off the tip of a jade spear wielded by a deity.
An man among gods
The two oldest chronicles detailing Japanese history name Emperor Jimmu as Japan’s first and founding emperor. He was…
