The first emperor of Japan was Emperor Jimmu, who is traditionally considered the founder of the Japanese imperial line. According to Japanese mythology and historical accounts, Jimmu ascended to the throne in 660 BCE. He is said to have been a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, establishing the divine nature of the emperor's role in Japanese society. Jimmu's reign symbolizes the beginning of Japan's imperial history, reflecting the intertwining of myth, history, and national identity. His legacy continues to influence Japanese culture and the perception of the emperor's role in both historical and modern contexts.