JAPAN’S ROYAL FAMILY

PREHISTORY

The current emperor of Japan, Emperor Akihito, is the latest ruler in the longest continuous line of monarchs in the world. There have been a total of 125 sovereigns in this line.

The origin of the Japanese Imperial Family is, unfortunately, buried in legend and Shinto mythology. The story handed down from father to son tells us that Japan's first emperor was called Jimmu and he ascended the throne around 660 BC. Legend says he was a descendent of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami and thereby was devine. These verbal histories credit Jimmu with unifying Japan and establishing its first "government". Due to lack of historical records from that time, the first 14 sovereigns are considered legendary.

While there were turbulent times throughout history, nothing rocked the nation like the results of the World War II.

In all its history, no invading army had ever secured a foothold or so much as a beachhead on Japanese territiory. Numerous armies tried, including the hoards of Gengis Khan. The Allied forces that occupied Japan in 1945 simply walked in. This occupation brought huge changes to Japanese politics and society. There was a worldwide cry for the total abolition of the imperial system but it was not heeded. However, a defeated Japan endured what it deemed the ultimate disgrace. The reigning emperor, Hirohito publicly renounced the divinity of the Yamato line (1 January 1946). While the continuous reign was not interupted, this announcement eliminated the concept of Imperial Divinity.

A new constitution, molded with the guidance of the occupational forces became law in 1947. This document radically changed the position of the Emperor permanently. This document abolished imperial sovereignty and made the emperor no more that a symbol, a figurehead. By law, he has no political power. In matters of state, the position is restricted to ceremonial and formal functions requiring the advice and consent of the cabinet. This one document accomplished what over 2000 years of turmoil between Imperial Forces and those seekeing to overthrow them could not.

Today the emperor and the Imperial Family are seen a warm, caring and very popular institution. The Japanese people are citizens, not subjects. Of course, there remain loyalists to this day who truely believe in the system prior to the new constitution however, the majority seem to want the continuation of this longest unbroken line of rulers in the world but with the political structure that ensures democracy and rule by the people.