The role and extent of influence of the Emperor of Japan today.

• Main Author: Rey Santos, Teresa Reastralyn Marie B.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 1998
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/1757
• Institution: De La Salle University

Abstract. Since the Second World War, things have dramatically changed in Japan, most specially in the Imperial set up. The Emperor no longer has supreme power over his country and his people. This was primarily brought about by the surrender of Japan upon the condition stated in the Potsdam declaration that a democratized form of government shall be more appropriate for the country. It meant that there shall no longer be a single power over the land. This study on The Role and Extent of Influence of the Emperor of Japan Today, aims to 1) find out whether His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito, the current emperor of Japan, is able to perform his duties, obligations and purpose as the 1946 constitution provides. 2) find out whether the maintenance of the Emperor serves no other purpose than merely being a nominal symbol of the country, and 3) to measure the extent of influence the current Japanese Emperor has over the economic, political, international relations, and cultural aspects of Japan. This research was done with the use of Secondary Sources. Computerized Data Bases, such as the internet, and a survey. The respondents of the survey are Japanese nationals residing in Japan. They were reached via Electronic mail. Questionnaires were sent to 5 contacts in Japan with no particular age group. Textual Analysis was done on the results of the research and survey. The study conducted revealed that the Emperor is able to perform most of his duties in accordance with the 1946 constitution of Japan. He has no political function, aside from those done for ceremonial purposes. He has no direct role in the economy of Japan. The Emperor plays a vital role in the promotion of good and friendly relations between Japan and other countries. Lastly, through the Socio-cultural activities of the Emperor, he is able to touch the lives of his people and remind them of their identity. By way of the survey conducted, the researcher found out that selected Japanese have an average knowledge of who the Emperor is, what his duties are, and what he does. This study found out that Emperor Akihito, whose power and influence has been clipped by the present constitution, is able to retain his throne the will and sovereignty of the people. Although his existence is not vital to Japan, being a nominal, ceremonial head, he is still revered and honored not only by his people, but people around the world as well.