[sumo] OT: Japanese imperial family, culture and Joshua's cluelessness

[Angie]

Well, I didn't save the e-mail where somebody said we
don't know anything about Japanese culture and the
imperial family, but now that Joshua has written:
 
> We can sit around and tell me how ignorant and
> clueless I am, which is
> all great and well and whatnot, but wouldn't it have
> more bite if you
> were to perhaps elucidate what it is that I'm
> clueless about? 

I am curious, as well.  Joining Joshua over here on
the Clueless Couch, I'd love to have somebody explain
a little about it --- about the Japanese culture's
relationship to the imperial family.

This whole issue about the uselessness of the monarchy
is something that gets kicked around about the British
royals, of course.  It's very interesting, and I can
see both sides of the issue.  They're not MY royals,
but I love them anyway!<g>

I'm assuming the situation is different in Japan
(because everything always is) and would love it if
somebody informed on Japanese culture would endeavor
to enlighten us!

Thanks!

Angie the Provincial (but not in a Jesuit sense) in
Texas, US