Overview of the Imperial House of Japan
– The Imperial House is the royal family of Japan.
– It consists of members of the extended family of the reigning emperor.
– The emperor is the symbol of the State and the unity of the people.
– Other members of the Imperial Family have ceremonial and social duties.
– The Japanese monarchy is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world.
Historical Lineage
– The Imperial House recognizes 126 monarchs, starting with Emperor Jimmu.
– However, there is no evidence of Jimmu’s existence, and his story is considered mythical.
– Verifiable emperors of Japan start from AD 539 with Emperor Kinmei.
– The current emperor is Naruhito, who ascended to the throne in 2019.
Key Members of the Imperial Family
– Emperor Naruhito is the current emperor, born in 1960.
– Empress Masako is the empress consort, married to Emperor Naruhito.
– Aiko, Princess Toshi, is the only child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
– Emperor Emeritus Akihito was the previous emperor, abdicating in 2019.
– Empress Emerita Michiko is the wife of Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino
– Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino, is the current heir presumptive.
– Kiko, Crown Princess Akishino, is married to Crown Prince Akishino.
– They have two daughters and a son.
– Princess Kako of Akishino is their second daughter.
– Prince Hisahito of Akishino is their son, the first male born to the Imperial Household in 41 years.
Finances and Support of the Imperial Family
– The Japanese monarchy was considered one of the wealthiest in the world until the end of World War II.
– The Imperial Property Law enacted in 1911 established two categories of properties: hereditary (crown estates) and personal property of the Imperial Family.
– The total economic value of the Imperial properties in 1935 was estimated at ¥650 million (approximately US$195 million).
– A 1997 survey showed that 82% of Japanese supported the continuation of the monarchy.
– Some argue that the imperial system is a symbol of the country and provides a sense of linkage, purpose, and stability. Source URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_House_of_Japan
