Japanese Culture Series 25: Daijosai

Recently in Japan a new emperor succeeded the throne after the previous one abdicated. (Read about it here. ) To the Japanese, as well as other countries throughout the world, the royal family is an important part of their heritage. A lengthy process is involved for a heir to become the actual emperor of Japan which culminates after a series of ceremonies into the final event called 'Daijosai'. In this lengthy ceremony, which lasts for a whole night, the new emperor performs rituals, prayers, and offerings to the sun god. A simple description can be found here and a more complex explanation can be found here.

The emperor basically becomes the spiritual leader of the country by communing with the sun god. In one document he is said to be given a god spirit complete with special abilities. In the past before World War 2 the Japanese believed that their emperor was a god, although today the belief is marked with controversy. Whether or not the people believe him to be a god, the fact remains that the event is a highly spiritual Shinto ceremony in which the emperor is being given some kind of spirit along with authority over the country. In plain speech, the spiritual leader of this country is being led by the spirit of this world. In Japan each of the provinces contain many temples and shrines through which continual offerings and requests are made to various deities. Generally, most children are continually dedicated throughout their childhood to various deities in order to gain health and prosperity. It is then no wonder as to why this nation remains firm in its opposition to salvation through Christ. Please pray for this nation's half of a percent Christian population and those here seeking truth in this modern day Pergamos!