Note 25 — COURT LADIES OF OLD JAPAN (continued 2)
Annie Shepley Omori translation
Every Japanese family does this to-day, for almost all gardens have artificial brooks or ponds.
[26] Imperial shrine at Isé: the oldest shrine, built 5 B.C., dedicated to the Heaven Shining Goddess, ancestor of the Imperial family. This shrine is rebuilt every twenty years on the same model. It is the most sacred spot in Japan, and all serious events pertaining to the Empire or Imperial Household are announced there to the Goddess-Ancestor by Imperial Messenger.