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The role of the emperor in Meiji politics
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Japanese Emperor Political Status
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‘How has the political status and power of the Japanese emperor changed since ancient times to the present?’
Both the political status and the power that the Japanese emperor holds has changed over the centuries, as has the public perception and understanding of both these tools. The Emperor’s lessened role in controlling the country, specifically through the government/ other legislatures and the growing familiarity and involvement with the Japanese citizens outside the Imperial family – a status that has drastically changed in the modern era.
Japan may be the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world, but it’s Emperor doesn’t have all the power and control that seems to come with the title, and over time has gradually lost more and more power over the state of Japan.
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Despite this, he was not to actually rule – his ministers would decide the Emperor’s “imperial will” and carry it out for him. However publicly he was seen to have political power, the Emperor did not do much at all within the government. This status did not change over time; the only political decision that Emperor Showa himself made was to accept the Allied ultimatum during World War 2, and even this was after his ministers had come to a tied vote on the surrender. Emperor Showa was given the opportunity to make a vital decision for Japan, but it was one which could prove very unpopular and was also only offered to him after his ministers couldn’t
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