noun
symbolic emperor; emperor as a symbol of the state
Refers to the post-war role of the Japanese emperor under the 1947 constitution, where the emperor is the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, with no political power.
日本国憲法では、天皇は象徴天皇と位置づけられている。
Under the Constitution of Japan, the emperor is defined as a symbolic emperor.
象徴天皇制について議論が続いている。
Debate continues regarding the symbolic emperor system.
Compound of 象徴 (symbol) and 天皇 (emperor). The term became common after the 1947 Constitution of Japan redefined the emperor's role.