The Japanese Imperial family is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world, dating back to the sixth century BC. However, its central role in Japan has not shielded the family from controversy in recent years. Through personal scandals, and vagaries of the hereditary system, even to their own biology, it’s been a rocky time. But what is left if every tradition is changeable? .

In English with subtitles in English for some scenes. Originally broadcast as an episode of a 5-part documentary television series on the History Channel in 2012.