What does the Emperor of Japan do exactly?

[King-Kai91]

I know in Japan they have a Emperor Akihito and a Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. But what does the Emperor do exactly like does he make all the decsions. For his country like what laws they have or does he have anything to do with Foreign relations of Japan?  

[Koiyuki]

Short Answer: He and his entire royal family are mere figureheads. No real power to speak of, in terms of shaping the nation's policies. The current Prince himself has said "If you ask me what the imperial family is all about, and I think and think and think about it, the very final conclusion is that our meaning lies in our simply existing. Waking up in the morning, eating breakfast, eating lunch, eating dinner, then going to sleep, repeating that 365 days a year."  

[Makaze~chan]

I read in a book my friend Sayuri let me borrow-if I remember correctly-that he doesn't have government or military control, but is more an image for the people and also is involved in ceremonies and things like that. Don't quote me on it though. xP  

[King-Kai91]

Makaze~chan

I read in a book my friend Sayuri let me borrow-if I remember correctly-that he doesn't have government or military control, but is more an image for the people and also is involved in ceremonies and things like that. Don't quote me on it though. xP

Thx!

Koiyuki

Short Answer: He and his entire royal family are mere figureheads. No real power to speak of, in terms of shaping the nation's policies. The current Prince himself has said "If you ask me what the imperial family is all about, and I think and think and think about it, the very final conclusion is that our meaning lies in our simply existing. Waking up in the morning, eating breakfast, eating lunch, eating dinner, then going to sleep, repeating that 365 days a year."

So then does Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama do most of the work, like as our President of America? Or mine sorry I don't what country you are from! XD sweatdrop  

[IdiotbyDefault]

He lost his role of power after World War II and the constitution they formed in 1947 strips him of his former role and makes him more a representation of his people. Although he can formally appoint the prime minister, he has to choose the canadiate that the Diet (Japan's legislative branch) has elected.

In essence, yes, the prime minister more closely resembles the president's role. Except in our system, congress can't dissolve the president and our president can't really dissolve congress. These actions (the first one anyway) can actually force another election.  

[Bullet Sonata]

I'd say the same as the Queen of England  

[King-Kai91]

IdiotbyDefault

He lost his role of power after World War II and the constitution they formed in 1947 strips him of his former role and makes him more a representation of his people. Although he can formally appoint the prime minister, he has to choose the canadiate that the Diet (Japan's legislative branch) has elected.

In essence, yes, the prime minister more closely resembles the president's role. Except in our system, congress can't dissolve the president and our president can't really dissolve congress. These actions (the first one anyway) can actually force another election.

Thanks for giving that detailed answer.