Japan emperor`s harvest rite is his 1st communion with gods
(WorldNews Japan)

TOKYO (AP) - Japanese Emperor Naruhito will perform a secretive and controversial ritual Thursday, a once-in-a-reign event to give thanks for good harvests, pray for the peace and safety of the nation and play host to his family`s ancestral gods. Or at least that`s what experts and officials say. The Daijosai, or great thanksgiving festival, the most important succession ritual that an emperor performs, is closed to the public, even as taxpayer money funds it. It has drawn criticism as a throwback to Japan`s authoritarian past and as a colossal waste of money, and provoked speculation the emperor is spending the night on a bed with a goddess. Here`s a look at the significance of the ritual...