Information AboutKokutai |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT KOKUTAI | |
| japanese historical terms | |
| empire of japan | |
| japanese mythology | |
| religion in japan | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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DESCRIPTION The kokutai was the national government that based the Japanese system on the supreme authority of the emperor. The system utilized a democratic form. However, it turned out to be more of an absolute monarchy. The center of the kokutai framework was put down in the Kojiki . It held that the Emperor directly descended from Amaterasu Omikami , the sun goddess. This belief included a unity of state and church (Japanese: saisei ichi, 祭政一). Important sources for the kokutai include: kokutai no hongi (Kanji: 国体の本義) and kokutai shinron (国体新論). It should be noted that the emperor, particularly through the early stages of the Meiji Period, had little to no involvement in the government. The emperor essentially served as a figure head for the nation of Japan (contrary to standard absolute monarchies). Members of the Privy Council as well as member from the oligarchy through the late 19th century used the emperor's name in order to pass legislation. The emperor was often times unaware that his name was being used as such. APPLICATION The Peace Preservation Law from 1925 forbade conspiracy or revolt against the kokutai and effectively criminalized Socialism , Communism , and other Ideologies that would threaten Japan's Emperor -centered social order. The Peace Preservation Law became unconstitutional under the Japanese Constitution from 1947. REFERENCES
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