Every 11 February Japan marks the accession of an emperor most scholars think never existed.

660 BC · 1873 · apart: 2533 years

National Foundation Day counts from the legendary Jimmu in 660 BC; when created in 1873, it marked the 2,532nd anniversary.

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The event

• Legendary accession of Emperor Jimmuc. 660 BC · Kashihara. According to the Japanese chronicles Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, the legendary first emperor Jimmu ascended the throne at Kashihara. The date is mythical, but Japanese tradition counts its unbroken imperial line from it.

7th century BC · 19th century

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