Bansei Ikkei () means an eternal continuation of lineage, often referring mainly to a succession of hereditary aristocratic families, such as the Imperial family. In particular, bansei ikkei often refers to the claim that the bloodline of the Japanese Emperor has never been interrupted since Emperor Jimmu.
History Bansei ikkei myth was promoted by scholars of ancient Japanese thought and culture, including Motoori Norinaga, as a concept emphasizing Japan's superiority over foreign countries.
Article 1 of the Constitution of the Empire of Japan, it was written as follows: "The Empire of Japan shall be reigned over and governed by a line of Emperors unbroken for ages eternal." ()
In 1940, figures inside and outside the Japanese government held the most comprehensive and grand national celebration, the 2,600th anniversary celebration of the Empire of Japan. The Japanese defined themselves, their country, and their Empire through the celebration of Emperor Jimmu's accession in 660 B.C. This celebration symbolized the culmination of the bansei ikkei ideology, which was the centerpiece of modern Japanese identity until the legitimacy of imperial worship was bruised by defeat in 1945.
Other Article 1 of the Principles of the Constitution, promulgated during the Qing dynasties in 1908, includes:PRINCIPLES OF CONSTITUTION (HSIEN-FA TA-KANG)
The word 萬世一系 () appeared because this constitution, enacted by Qing, was influenced by the Constitution of the Empire of Japan.
See also Emperor of Japan#Succession Genealogy Japanese imperial succession debate Monarchism#Japan
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