Imperial Regalia

The imperial regalia represent imperial authority and semidivinity. The regalia includes a sword, a mirror, and a jewel. These were supposedly handed down to the grandson of the sun goddess by the sun goddess herself, denoting a line of imperial leadership on Earth. They are a symbol of the imperial leader’s right to rule, and the investment of leadership in his semidivine authority. When the Taira flee Kyoto, they bring along the regalia with them. The sword is lost at Dan-no-Ura; the mirror and the jewel are returned, but not in time for the enthroning of the new emperor.

Imperial Sword

The imperial sword symbolizes change. It is the most powerful, conspicuous, and recognizable object of the imperial regalia. The sword is lost in the straits of Dan-no-Ura when Emperor Antoku and his grandmother drown themselves, taking the sword with them. The loss of the...