The Importance of the Japanese Emperor and the Problem Facing the Imperial Family.

In the wake of the recent controversy surround the exodus of the former Princess Mako. Let us take a closer look at the history and cultural importance of the Japanese Imperial family, and in particular, the Emperor himself.

This video is simply meant to serve as educational and informative content regarding the Emperor and Imperial family.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:15 History of the Emperor
7:52 Modern Day Problem
11:28 Final Thoughts

Artwork and Images:
Classical art, which in most cases can be considered public domain.
Other modern artist renditions, if you see your work in this video please contact me so that I can give you proper credit!

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Social Media:

#History #JapaneseEmperor #ImperialFamily

[TheShogunate]

I have seen a few people taking issue with my use of the word "Worship" when talking about my comparison using the Pope. The definition of the term Worship "to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion" I feel fits very well with how a lot of people view the Pope. I am not at all saying that people pray to the Pope or that the Pope is a deity. I am merely using the term to show how there are people out there who are very passionate about him and his prominent religious role.

[ashleyy]

My Japanese friends tell me that the imperial family is still highly respected in japan and out of respect for tradition and history, they really hope the family survives. the only thing i've ever heard them say against the imperial family, is they wish the emperor would wear more traditional Japanese clothing when holding ceremonial events, rather than his western black suit.

[BioluminescentTree]

A subtle correction: the Emperor, despite what the common narrative says, never actually declared he wasn't a deity. If you read about it on Wikipedia, he used a very specific and esoteric religious expression to describe what he was not, implicitly leaving space for what he can *still* be. Look it up.

[chikin]

It's easy for outsiders to say "we should just remove X" since it doesnt hold any significant value for them. If the Japanese people are asking for these reforms themselves, they have the right to but outsiders/foreigners calling for the removal of the Japanese Monarchy has little to no say on the matter tbh

[rorupar]

The Imperial Japanese Family will survive. They can adapt, and will if necessary. I can't see them, neither their government, letting the family die, nor the people let go the Japanese Imperial role in their lives.

[hanchiman]

I think alot of Royal families face the same problem, in Europe, they already have faced this problem since 19th century due to political change in the world and that people no longer find it fair that some people are born in "Royal" families by birth, but then again Royal Families have nowadays been exchange to "Dynasties" of rich families, just different titles but same people in powers

[tykep]

As a Japanese, I always feel sorry for the imperial family with their limited liberty and a significant burden. I can't blame them even if the lineage is disrupted, but I respect and appreciate their service to the country as long as it continues.

[KalashnikovPaouzzi]

People may think that royalty is outdated, it would be true in political term but the royalty doesn't hold any political power. They are guardian of tradition. In the case of Japan a country that was never colonized or invaded having an institution that maintain this very unique culture that was pretty much never altered directly by outsider is very much valuable.
I don't know if people in Japan are aware of how unique their culture is and more over the fact that it was never directly transformed by colonization or invasion. This is something they should value a lot and an institution that is pretty much dedicated to safeguard this culture isn't a bad thing.

[jacobsaavedra]

Is it impossible to adopt members from those former collateral branches back into the main imperial family?

[hisashijrauman]

I am really curious to what happened to the Southern Court line, I heard there was a dude who said he was the true Emperor because he was a descendant of Emperor Go Daigo, which technically is the legitimate line since the Northern Court ( The current line) are considered pretenders propped up by the Ashikaga.

[Li]

I do not see the Imperial family ending but the family have to adopt a distant relative to continue the line of accession.

[jlburilov]

I don't see or understand why anybody in Japan would care what dummies around the world think about monarchies and succession. It is like many other succession (probably more so), complicated and rooted in tradition because its tradition, not because its trying to be sensible or up to date with modern sensibilities, which is what some will never understand.

[internethardcase]

I think the continuity of the Japanese imperial family is astonishing. To think the same dynasty was around when say Oda Nobunaga was alive is a beautiful thing. The direct connection to one's ancestors and history is a thing to be preserved and treasured, along with the traditions that come with it.

[shobhitkaul]

I like the respect you give to a culture you study.

Keep it up

[PhycoKrusk]

I am a very traditional American, and that means that I have little time or desire to give deference to a monarch of any sort.

Personally, I feel the loss of the Japanese imperial family would be a great loss for the entire world, and not just for the Japanese. There is a history attached to the family that we cannot find anywhere else. The emperor gives the entire world a spiritual connection to sacred things that otherwise would not exist, not in quite the same way.

[gamebawesome]

I hope the Imperial Japanese Family survive, as they're the oldest and last Imperial Ruling House to this day

[motagrota]

If the most of japanese are fine with having a monarch, we as outsiders should respect it regardless.

[mercurialdanny]

Amazing presentation. Thank you for sharing. Learned a lot.

[justnoah]

Emperor Naruhito is also the only person left in the entire world that still carries the title of emperor.

[OfficialRedTeamReview]

The reign of the old Shogunate....is OVER!