Note 22 — Introduction to Part I

This refers to the following anecdote of the Emperor Ichijō (tenth century A.D.) as related in the “Kokushi Riyaku,” or abridged “History of Japan”: “One cold night the Emperor, his heart full of pity and mercy, stripped off his clothes. The Empress Jōtō, astonished at this, asked the reason. The Emperor answered and said, ‘The season is now cold; I think of the poor who are naked. How can I bear that I alone should be covered and warm?’ The Emperor Ichijō was distinguished for his knowledge and his love of letters. He excelled in poetry and music.”