What role did the Japanese emperor primarily serve?

Political ruler

Military leader

Economic advisor

Symbolic figurehead

1 answer

The Japanese emperor primarily served as a symbolic figurehead. While historically the emperor held significant power, especially in ancient times, the role transitioned largely to a symbolic one following World War II, with the post-war constitution designating the emperor as "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people," devoid of political or military powers.