The Japanese have a maxim: "Just as there is but one sun in heaven, so there is but one emperor on earth." Six centuries ago the maxim was rudely shattered when rival feudal lords supported a "Southern Emperor" named Go-Daigo and a "Northern Emperor" named Kogon (both members of the imperial family). The issue was threshed out in a 50-year "War of the Chrysanthemums." Finally Go-Daigo's line gave up the sacred symbols of authorityjewel, mirror, swordto Kogon's line. Since then, in the misty eye of Japanese history, the imperial descent has been strictly legitimate.
Last week General Douglas MacArthur suddenly discovered that...
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