Why the Japanese Emperor System Still Exists Today

Recently in Japan, the daughter of the brother of the current Emperor getting married to a commoner became big news. The news brought various debates in and out of Japan… and one of them was a very fundamental question:

“Why do we need an Imperial Family in Japan in the first place?”

So today, I will explain who the Emperor of Japan is in the first place and why the Emperor system has continued to exist for 2,700 years.

At the end of the video, I would like to introduce the ideas and opinions that I’ve studied and thought were the most understandable to answer the question, “Why Japan still needs an Emperor in the first place,” so I hope you can enjoy this video till the end.

However before I start, I want to make it very clear that I understand that for certain people, the existence of the Emperor and Imperial Family means more than others. I have no intention of denying anyone’s beliefs and please understand that this is just a video of me answering a question from my friends overseas.

Lastly, I have only properly studied about the Emperor system IN Japan, so please let me know in the comments about the history and systems in your country. I would love to learn from you.

[Time codes]
0:00 Let's START!
1:56 Who the Emperor is
4:09 Why the Emperor System has Lasted for Thousands of Years
7:50 Why Do We Need the Emperor System Today?
10:45 Today's Conclusion

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I’m Shogo, a Kyoto born & Hiroshima raised Japanese, that grew up in Michigan USA for 6 years, and studied Mandarin in Beijing university for a year! I live in Kyoto now, as I train in Iaido(katana), Sado(tea ceremony), and Noh theatre(traditional stage art).

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[TheShogunate]

Glad to finally hear your take on this Shogo!

[joeltbasham]

You’re absolutely right. It is part of Japan’s heritage and historic journey. In a way it serves as a great reminder of where you came from.

[josephmarble]

I always wondered if the Emperor acted more as the Pope has traditionally in Western Europe. Technically, he doesn't have any real power today, but in the past he's had great sway over various governing bodes (e.g. Crusades). I also find it interesting in how there was a point when there were two emperors. It mirrors the schism in Europe when there were 3 popes at the same time.

[themartialway]

I don’t think there’s a question I’ve had that hasn’t been answered on this channel. You’re awesome Shogo and very informative. Get this man to 1 mil subs

[panzlithium]

In my country Malaysia, we have 9 kings and they take turn every 5 year to be a Supreme Ruler, Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Most of their power is through Royal Malaysian Army. If the country is in political disability or in emergency, Agong takes control as a neutral power until the problems are solved through new election or other means. Agong is very important to us and we prefer when Agong take control when the government is so corrupt

[capmidnite]

Maybe Part II of the series could be about the dark side of being a member of the Imperial Family. It's basically like living in a golden cage, with your daily life completely controlled by the Imperial Household Agency. It was rumored that Princess Masako suffered a nervous breakdown and doesn't even have a credit card in her name.

[evaagoston]

As someone from a country that's founding dynasty died off in the 14th century, was ruled by kings of other nations for centuries, and has no monarch at the moment, I think the Japanese people should value their Emperor. People do need a symbol of unity, especially when the politicians do nothing but divide people. I do think our nation would need a symbol, a cornerstone, that could bring us together. Be thankful that you have the Imperial Family, filled with wonderful people who really serve their people well! Love from Hungary!

[klausernstthalheim]

I don't think that Japan having an emperor is bad. It helped japanese people with their identity and having a moral authority that is strictly being neutral and has no political power also have unifying effect. So Japan having an emperor has a stabilizing effect on society.

[specialnewb]

What I found fascinating was there are 2 instances prior to 600s where it was entirely possible that the nobles found a random dude and just said he was related to the previous line. There is a strong practical streak in Japanese history from what I've read!

My personal opinion is that head of state+legislature (as in Japan, UK etc.) is generally better than presidential systems though each has positives and negatives. A nuanced video, you should be proud of your work.

[erikhagaman]

Hey! I'm a patriotic Swede (yes, it does exist) and I love our royal family. They are great front figures for our country when it comes to diplomatic matters. For example, if a president or similar makes an official visit to Sweden. They are actually Sweden's largest tourist attraction. The royal palaces are often visited by tourists. Especially by Germans. It's hard to beat when it's a royal procession through the streets of Stockholm. It's very cool to watch.
I have also heard that itshould be cheaper for us taxpayers to continue to have the royal family instead of a president. And I think it's nice to have a stable head of stat. Because i`am tired of politicians considering what today's Sweden looks like. Then it's nice that there is something that can unite us.

Continue to make awesome and interesting videos. With love from Scandinavia. Love your channel. :)

[Steven-xndv]

I agree with your assessment and when I compare to China’s dynastic emperors, it amazes me how enduring the Japanese imperial system is. Very well done and very thought provoking!

[thegirlalmighty]

One of the best and most informative channels here on youtube.

[rolandgdean]

I see royals as an important LINK between the people and their governments. They can be a powerful tool to grow and encourage patriotism in their nations. They have heavy sway when they appeal to the government on behalf of the people as well. A royal family can be analogous to the "home team" in sports...it represents something the people can ALL love and "get behind"...commonality is important in group settings in maintaining peace and encouraging unity. I think this is what royals focus so much on public opinion...they MUST be loved by as many as possible and must NEVER be divisive...interesting and difficult job indeed.

[djlaace]

I think the system should continue to exist. It is one of the things that makes Japan unique, specially today. Plus, I think the fact that someone bearing the title "Emperor" in modern times still exists is pretty cool! :)

[LycorisRaidata]

I think the emporer system is an integral part of Japanese culture, the resources and political anguish of removing him would be more than it's worth. Besides the emporer is revered by the people

[harshanasamarakoon]

Very informative video series. What I like about it the most is how calmly and expressively Shogo san explains everything.

[lizawinslow]

Thank you Shogo! Again, another informative and educational video on your culture💥

[aniriis]

I live in a very small country, Denmark, and we have a queen. For many years the danish kingdom have “one” been a simple of the nation. Most people in Denmark our crown is more like a national thing. Every year the hear the queen’s speak at New Year’s Eve and the Royal family is very popular with the Danish people.

[Legal-Canadian]

People usually ignore the second question: is there a benefit to doing or not doing something?

[ct]

I think the emperor is still needed, especially during these trying times as someone to unite the people, although I don't agree with some imperial household laws and the restrictions that were placed upon the emperor and his family as well as the law that only allows male heirs to ascend to the chrysanthemum throne he Is still an important figure in japanese society. His majesty is a figure that can single handedly calm the nation after natural disasters and such major events, something not many celebrities can ever hope to accomplish on a national level.