The Phrase "Descent from Heaven," Used in Reference to Japan

The phrase "descent from heaven," used in reference to Japan, means

A) appointment of public officials by the emperor to whom divinity was ascribed before World War II.
B) a politician's or public servant's fall into disgrace because of a scandal.
C) the legendary origin of the imperial family.
D) employment of senior government officials upon their retirement by public or private corporations.
E) the widespread belief that Japan has a manifest destiny.