Jimmu Founded Japan's Mythical Dynasty

Japan's monarchy is the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, officially recognizing 126 sovereigns from Emperor Jimmu to the current emperor, Naruhito. Tradition dates its founding to February 11, 660 BCE, although scholars consider Jimmu and the first 25 emperors mythical, while the historically verifiable line begins with Emperor Kinmei in 539 CE. The main dynasty now has no name, and its members have no family surname, so it is simply called Koshitsu, meaning the Imperial House.

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