Translation guide
An imperial edict is an official decree issued by an emperor. In Japanese, the term depends on the historical period and context. The most common modern term is 勅令 (chokurei) for an imperial ordinance, while 詔書 (shōsho) refers to a rescript. For historical edicts, 勅 (choku) or 詔 (mikotonori) may be used. Note that the Japanese imperial system has specific terminology, and direct translation may not always be appropriate.
To refer to a formal order or law issued by the Emperor of Japan, especially in the modern era (Meiji period onward).
The standard term for an imperial ordinance or edict in the modern Japanese legal system. Used for laws and decrees issued by the Emperor.
A new law was enacted by imperial edict of Emperor Meiji.
Refers to an imperial rescript, a written edict from the Emperor, often used for important proclamations. More formal and ceremonial than 勅令.
The Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War was read by Emperor Showa.
An imperial message or address, often used for educational or moral guidance, such as the Imperial Rescript on Education (教育勅語).
The Imperial Rescript on Education was considered an important moral guide in pre-war Japan.
To refer to an edict from an emperor in historical contexts, such as ancient or medieval Japan.
A general term for an imperial decree or order in historical contexts. Often used in compounds like 勅命 (chokumei, imperial command) or 勅許 (chokkyo, imperial permission).
By imperial edict, a new capital was constructed.
An ancient term for an imperial edict, often used in classical literature. Can be read as みことのり (mikotonori) in native Japanese reading.
A specific type of imperial decree issued by the Emperor through the Council of State (太政官) in the Heian period. More bureaucratic than general edicts.
To refer to an edict issued by a non-Japanese emperor, such as in ancient China or Rome.
Can be used for edicts from foreign emperors, though it may carry Japanese imperial connotations. Often clarified with the country name.
Christianity was officially recognized by an imperial edict of the Roman Emperor.
A more formal term combining 詔 (shō) and 勅 (choku), used for imperial edicts in historical contexts, including foreign empires.
In modern Japan, the Emperor does not issue political edicts. Using terms like 勅令 for contemporary government actions would be anachronistic and incorrect. For official government orders, use 政令 (seirei, cabinet order) or 法令 (hōrei, law/ordinance).
勅令 (chokurei) is a legal term for an imperial ordinance with the force of law, while 詔書 (shōsho) is a formal written rescript, often ceremonial. 勅令 is more common in legal contexts, 詔書 in historical or ceremonial ones.
The Kojiki records the imperial edicts of the emperors.
In the Heian period, official positions were appointed by imperial decree (senji).
中国の歴代王朝では、皇帝の詔勅が法律として機能した。
In successive Chinese dynasties, imperial edicts functioned as law.