What is the role of the emperor in modern Japan?

In the Japanese constitutional monarchy, the emperor does not have any political power. In world politics, he is the only current emperor. The current emperor is His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Akihito. He has been on the Chrysanthemum Throne since his father Emperor Sh?wa (Hirohito) died in 1989. read more

The history of Imperial Japan stretches back to 660 B.C., when Akihito’s ancestor Jimmu became the country’s first emperor. The son of Emperor Hirohito, who led Japan during World War II, Akihito is the only modern monarch who holds the title of emperor, Will Ripley and Joshua Berlinger report for CNN. read more

Currently, the Emperor of Japan is the only head of state in the world with the English title of "Emperor". The Imperial House of Japan is the oldest continuing monarchical house in the world. read more

A. The current Constitution was announced 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. read more