I have been curious recently as to what role the Japanese emporer plays in the government and daily lives of people in Japan. Is he like the Thai king, who has power, but rarely exercises it other than to correct major problems in the democratic process. Or, is he like the English monarchy, who really has no other power other than to attract tourists? I know he inst like the sultan of Brunei, or king Abdulah, so thats the deal?
Well from what I have gathered from asking many Japanese people recently, he is their mascot.
He doesn't have any power in the government, but every Japanese people will tell you that he is "a symbol" when you ask him what his job is. A symbol of what? A symbol of tradition? A symbol of the past? Nah, he is a symbol of the Japanese people. It is difficult to put a face on a nation, but the Japanese have done it, thats the emperor.
Interesting eh?
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