Every child was taught kodo, the Imperial Way: that the basis for Japanese morality was on (obligation) to the emperor and one’s parents. Without the emperor one would be without country; without parents, homeless. For centuries the Japanese ruler had been benevolent, never attempting to exert his authority. Just as a parent loved and guided his children, he loved and guided his people with compassion. The imperial line had once gone 346 years without sanctioning a single execution throughout the land. Out
