{"id":1415,"date":"2025-03-24T19:59:42","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T19:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/?page_id=1415"},"modified":"2025-03-24T20:14:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T20:14:34","slug":"emperor","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/emperor\/","title":{"rendered":"Emperor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns alignfull stk-block-columns stk-block stk-cf247fd stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-block-id=\"cf247fd\"><style>.stk-cf247fd .stk--block-align-cf247fd{align-items:flex-start !important;}.stk-cf247fd {background-color:var(u002du002dtheme-palette-color-4, #000000) !important;background-image:url(https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1352px-Emperor_Go-Kogon.jpg) !important;background-attachment:fixed !important;background-position:top center !important;background-repeat:no-repeat !important;background-size:cover !important;min-height:508px !important;align-items:flex-start !important;padding-top:310px !important;padding-right:35px !important;padding-bottom:180px !important;padding-left:35px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;display:flex !important;top:-5px !important;}.stk-cf247fd:before{background-color:var(u002du002dtheme-palette-color-4, #000000) !important;opacity:0 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-cf247fd {min-height:390px !important;padding-top:210px !important;padding-bottom:140px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-cf247fd stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-cf247fd-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1d93b9f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1d93b9f\"><style>.stk-1d93b9f-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;min-height:0px !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;}.stk-1d93b9f {align-self:flex-start !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-top:-200px !important;top:100px !important;left:-12px !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-1d93b9f-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;justify-content:center !important;row-gap:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1d93b9f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1d93b9f-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-436ce8b\" id=\"iti\" data-block-id=\"436ce8b\"><style>.stk-436ce8b {margin-top:-67px !important;margin-right:90px !important;margin-bottom:16px !important;top:-21px !important;}.stk-436ce8b .stk-block-heading__text{text-shadow:4px 4px 0px #000000ff !important;font-size:70px !important;color:#fcb900 !important;line-height:1em !important;font-weight:800 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-436ce8b {margin-top:49px !important;margin-right:108px !important;top:17px !important;bottom:1px !important;left:65px !important;}.stk-436ce8b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-436ce8b {margin-top:18px !important;top:42px !important;}.stk-436ce8b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:38px !important;}}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-palette-color-8-color has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Japanese_Emperors\"><\/span>Japanese Emperors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-ad51fb0\" data-block-id=\"ad51fb0\"><style>.stk-ad51fb0 {max-width:55% !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;right:3px !important;left:-100px !important;}.stk-ad51fb0 .stk-block-text__text{text-shadow:4px 4px 0px #000000ff !important;font-size:38px !important;color:#fcb900 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ad51fb0 {min-height:0px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-width:auto !important;bottom:-29px !important;left:70px !important;}.stk-ad51fb0 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:38px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-ad51fb0 {margin-top:-33px !important;margin-bottom:33px !important;top:57px !important;left:8px !important;}.stk-ad51fb0 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:33px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color has-palette-color-8-color has-text-align-left has-text-align-center-mobile\">Absolute Rulers?<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-6a8268d\" data-block-id=\"6a8268d\"><style>.stk-6a8268d {height:31px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6a8268d {height:33px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-6a8268d {height:32px !important;}}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Japanese_Emperors-2\"><\/span>Japanese Emperors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to mythology, Japan&#8217;s first emperor, <em>Emperor Jimmu<\/em>, was a descendant of the <em>Sun Goddess Amaterasu<\/em> and enthroned in the year 660 BC. While the myths are not considered historically accurate, it is commonly accepted that emperors have reigned over Japan for more than 1500 years, and that they have all descended from the same family. The imperial crest is a 16-petaled chrysanthemum flower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the fact that the effective power of the emperors was limited or purely symbolic throughout most of Japan&#8217;s history, all actual rulers, from the <em>Fujiwara<\/em> and <em>Hojo<\/em> regents to the <em>Minamoto<\/em> and <em>Tokugawa shogun<\/em> respected the emperor and were keen in having the imperial legitimization for their position as rulers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A &#8220;<em>shogunate<\/em>&#8221; refers to a military government led by a shogun, the supreme military leader of Japan, who held real power while the emperor remained a figurehead.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the <em>Meiji<\/em> Restoration of 1868, the <em>shogunate<\/em> was overthrown, and Emperor Meiji became the head of state. Under the new constitution, the emperor held sovereign power, and his political and military power was theoretically close to absolute. In practice, however, the real power laid first with the oligarchs and later with the prime ministers, generals and admirals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The postwar constitution of 1946 states that the emperor has only a symbolic function. He now mainly participates at ceremonies but has no effective political power. In 2019, <em>Emperor Naruhito<\/em> became Japan&#8217;s 126th emperor. He is married to <em>Empress Masako<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Imperial_Palaces\"><\/span>Imperial Palaces<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-995f960e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:35%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"832\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TokyoImperialPalace.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TokyoImperialPalace.jpg 832w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TokyoImperialPalace-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TokyoImperialPalace-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:65%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tokyo_Imperial_Palace\"><\/span>Tokyo Imperial Palace <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Tokyo Imperial Palace<\/em> is situated in central Tokyo on the former grounds of Edo Castle, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It includes a large park area surrounded by the moats and impressive stone walls of the former castle. The outer palace grounds and the East Gardens are open to the public year round. The inner palace grounds can be visited on guided tours or without joining a tour on January 2 (New Year&#8217;s Greeting) or December 23 (Emperor&#8217;s Birthday).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-995f960e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:35%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1244\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Kyoto-Imperial-Palace_1920x1080-1244x700-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Kyoto-Imperial-Palace_1920x1080-1244x700-1.jpg 1244w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Kyoto-Imperial-Palace_1920x1080-1244x700-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Kyoto-Imperial-Palace_1920x1080-1244x700-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Kyoto-Imperial-Palace_1920x1080-1244x700-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1244px) 100vw, 1244px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:65%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kyoto_Imperial_Palace\"><\/span>Kyoto Imperial Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Kyoto Imperial Palace<\/em> used to be the residence of the Imperial Family until 1868, when the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is today part of the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park. The palace is enclosed by long walls and consists of several gates, halls and gardens. The palace grounds can be explored freely, but the palace buildings cannot be entered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-995f960e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:35%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/SentoPalace.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/SentoPalace.webp 1280w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/SentoPalace-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/SentoPalace-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/SentoPalace-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:65%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sento_Palace\"><\/span>Sento Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also located in the Kyoto Imperial Park is the <em>Sento Imperial Palace<\/em>, which was built in 1630 as the retirement palace of Emperor Gomizuno, and became the palace for subsequent retired emperors. The original palace buildings have been lost over the years, and the main attraction today is the palace&#8217;s beautiful strolling garden. The grounds can only be entered on guided tours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-3310603\" data-block-id=\"3310603\"><style>.stk-3310603 {height:50px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-3310603 {height:90px !important;}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japanese Emperors Absolute Rulers? Japanese Emperors According to mythology, Japan&#8217;s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, was a descendant of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and enthroned in the year 660 BC. While the myths are not considered historically accurate, it is commonly accepted that emperors have reigned over Japan for more than 1500 years, and that they 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