figurehead; person with a title but no real duty
Derived from the kabuki term; used figuratively for someone who holds a position in name only, without actual responsibility or power.
He has the title of chairman, but in reality he's just a figurehead.
kabuki actor playing a daimyo in the background
Original kabuki term: an actor who plays a daimyo merely to set the scene, without any lines or significant action.
See also: 大名
In kabuki, a narabi-daimyō is a role that just sits as part of the stage background.