Chrysanthemum Throne

The Chrysanthemum Throne is the common name given to the Imperial throne of Japan. The chrysanthemum (菊 kiku in Japanese) is the coat of arms of the Emperor of Japan.

Related Topics:
Imperial - Japan - Chrysanthemum - Japanese - Coat of arms - Emperor of Japan

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The Chrysanthemum Throne is the oldest continuing monarchy in the world. In Nihonshoki it is said that the Empire of Japan was founded in 660 BC by Emperor Jimmu. And it is said his descendants continue to reign today; the current Emperor Akihito is the 125th direct descendant of Jimmu. With historical assurance the record is back to Emperor ?jin who supposedly reigned in the early 5th century. Despite the fact that there had previously been eight female Emperors (in Japan only the wife of an Emperor is called an Empress), under Japanese Imperial law (promulgated by the Imperial Household Agency and the Privy Council) women cannot reign since the middle of the 19th century.

Related Topics:
Nihonshoki - 660 BC - Emperor Jimmu - Emperor Akihito - Emperor ?jin - 5th century - Imperial Household Agency - Privy Council

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The Japanese monarchy is highly traditional and modern at the same time. The Emperor (Japanese: tennō (天皇), "heavenly emperor") acts as a high priest in Shinto, although his divine power was renounced after World War II.

Related Topics:
Shinto - World War II

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Under the provisions of the current Constitution of Japan, the Emperor is a symbol of the state and the unity of the people; he has no real political power but is regarded as a ceremonial Head of State and constitutional monarch.

Related Topics:
Constitution of Japan - Head of State - Constitutional monarch

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