Emperor Jimmu of Japan

Emperor Jimmu (神武天皇; Jimmu Tennō; given name: Kamuyamato Iwarehiko) was the mythical founder of Japan and is regarded as a direct descendant of the Shinto deity Amaterasu. The current Imperial house of Japan bases its claim to the throne on its descent from Jimmu. His posthumous name literally means "divine might."

Emperor Jimmu's existence cannot be verified by standard historical means, but the mythology surrounding him places him in the 7th century BC. February 11, 660 BC is the traditional founding date of Japan by Emperor Jimmu.

New year's day in Japanese lunisolar calender was traditionally celebrated as the regnal day of Emperor Jimmu. In 1872, the Meiji government proclaimed that February 11, 660 BC in the Gregorian calendar was the foundation day of Japan. This mythical date was commemorated in the holiday Kigensetsu ("Empire Day") from 1872 to 1948, which was resurrected in 1966 as the holiday Kenkoku Kinen-bi ("National Foundation Day") In 1889, Kashihara Shrine was built to enshrine him in Kashihara, Nara.