ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Kokutai

Kokutai is a Japanese word that means "national structure." It refers to the way Japanese society is organized, including its government, culture, and people.

Imagine you are playing with blocks, and you have different shapes and sizes to build your tower. Imagine each block is a different part of Japanese life, like the government, the emperor, the people, and the culture. Kokutai is when you put all of these blocks together so they fit perfectly to create a strong and stable tower.

Japan has always believed that it is unique and special, with its own culture and customs. Kokutai is a way for Japan to protect and preserve its unique way of life. Just like how you might put your favorite toys away in a special place to keep them safe, Japan keeps its culture safe by prioritizing it in their national structure.

Kokutai can also refer to the idea that Japan was created by the gods and has a divine mission in the world. It means that Japan has a special role to play in the world and that its people have a strong connection to their ancestors and the gods.

Overall, kokutai is the idea that Japanese society is organized in a way that preserves its unique culture and history, and that it has a special place in the world. Just like how you might have a special way of organizing your toys, Japan has kokutai to keep its life and culture in order.