JAPAN: Organ Theory (Cont'd)

Currently the red-hot poker of Japanese politics is the "organ theory" of Japan's No. 1 Constitutional lawyer Dr. Tatsukichi Minobe. Quietly taught from Dr. Minobe's two standard textbooks in Japanese universities for 30 years, this constitutional concept was suddenly spotted two months ago by outraged Japanese jingoes (TIME, March 18). Not exactly contradicting the official legend that the Emperor of Japan is descended from the Sun Goddess, Dr. Minobe's works soberly refer to the Son of Heaven as "an organ of the Nation." What is more important, Dr. Minobe has steadfastly opposed...