What role does the Emperor play in Japan today?
The current Constitution took effect in 1946, soon after World War II. It states that the Emperor is “the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people,” without powers relating to government. The Emperor is limited to symbolic roles, such as performing “acts in matters of state” as stipulated in the Constitution. Like in Britain and Scandinavian countries, the Japanese monarch does not have a political function. In all his state functions, the Emperor must have the advice and approval of the cabinet. Based on cabinet decisions, he convenes the National Diet and dissolves the House of Representatives. Based on the Diet’s designation, he appoints the prime minister. Other duties include the promulgation of laws and treaties enacted and approved by the Diet and reception of credentials of foreign ambassadors. The reigning Emperor, Akihito, assumed the throne in 1989. The Emperor and Empress have two sons, Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino. Their daughter was married in 2005,
