The Imperial House (皇室, Kōshitsu) is the reigning dynasty of Japan, consisting of those members of the extended family of the reigning emperor of Japan who undertake official and public duties. Under the present constitution of Japan, the emperor is "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people".

The emperor of Japan[d][e] is the hereditary monarch and head of state of Japan. [6][7] The emperor is defined by the Constitution of Japan as the symbol of the Japanese state and the unity of the Japanese people, his position deriving from "the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power". [8] .

29 Apr 2019 · As the world’s oldest continuous hereditary dynasty—sometimes revered for its link to Shinto gods—the Japanese monarchy has been in existence since around 660 B.C., and physical evidence of its...

Japan has been ruled by emperors since antiquity.

3 Jan 2025 · Throughout Japan’s long history, several important dynasties and eras have significantly changed how the monarchy operated and influenced Japanese culture, politics, and society. Japan has seen 248 named eras, the most recent according to the Era Name law of 1979. Here are some of the most important eras as well as notable periods in history.

This site presents an introduction to the official duties and various public activities of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family, carried out both at the Imperial Palace and outside, the latter including their official visits within Japan and their fostering of friendly relations with foreign countries.

13 Apr 2023 · Meet Japan's royal family! The Japanese imperial family is thought to be the oldest hereditary royal family in the world, dating back as early as 97 B.C. with Emperor Sujin's reign.

22 May 2019 · Professor of Japanese history Frederick Dickinson explains the significance of the Japanese monarchy as a new emperor takes the throne—and President Trump becomes the first world leader to meet him. The Seimon Ishibashi Bridge at Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Traditionally, the ruler and absolute monarch of Japan was the emperor or empress, even if that person did not have the actual power to govern, and the many de facto leaders of the country throughout history—notably shoguns —always ruled in the name of the monarch.

In this respect, the position of the Emperor in postwar Japan differs from that in prewar days when the Emperor was the source of sovereign power. The Imperial Throne is dynastic and succeeded from father to son.