Saisei Itchi - Unity of Worship and Government
The traditional ideal of governance aligned with divine principles.
Saisei itchi expresses the ancient ideal that religious ritual and political governance are unified. While no longer the official system, this principle reflects the Shinto understanding that leaders should govern in harmony with divine principles and for the welfare of all.
True governance follows the way of the kami, serving heaven and the people together.
Saisei itchi shaped Japanese political thought until the modern era.
Historical traditions