Japanese tradition/history...

[CarreraGT]

Have exhausted google and the like trying to find an answer to this question. Being that SF is well versed in local customs/traditions, thought I would throw it out there...

Just recently watched "The Last Samurai" with the wife. We noticed that the Emperor only wore one glove (and it moved hands, which was obviously a movieland error). Reached WAYYYYY back into the memory, popped Tora, Tora, Tora, in, and noticed that the Emperor was wearing only one white glove.

What is the significance of this? The wife and I are assuming something like "the Emperor is not allowed to actually make contact with another human, as he is sacred, so he wears a glove in case he has to touch someone" kind of thing.

Hopefully a customs/tradition buff is among the forum... thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light!


Dave