The imperial dynasty of Japan is the oldest on earth and the only one the Japanese have ever known. It is unique in the sense that Japanese emperors hardly ever decided policies, commanded troops, administered the state, passed judgments, or decreed on matters of faith. Actual power was usually in the hands of subordinates, whether aristocrats, warlords, bureaucrats or politicians. Despite their political and military weakness, the emperors of Japan occupied the highest position in the realm, enjoyed a sacred status, and their dynasty could not be overthrown. This 4-volume publication...