Proposals to scrap the imperial institution or to force an abdication were resisted by the occupation authorities, who saw how vital the Emperor would be for Japan's regeneration. Instead, he volunteered a ‘denial of divinity’ or, as the Americans put it, ‘degodded himself’, on New Year's Day 1946.

How are we feeling this morning?

The ogopogo made no attempt to devour the sailboat crew, as he is reported to have done some years ago in the case of some Indians.

I feel too much thy blessing: make it [this excess]less, For fear I surfeit! Now comes the sick hour that his surfeit made.