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.
Under the Constitution of Japan, the emperor is defined as a symbolic emperor.
Debate continues regarding the symbolic emperor system.
天皇 is the general term for the Japanese emperor, while 象徴天皇 specifically refers to the emperor's symbolic role under the post-war constitution.
象徴天皇制 is the system of symbolic emperorship, whereas 象徴天皇 refers to the emperor himself in that role.
Compound of 象徴 (symbol) and 天皇 (emperor). The term became common after the 1947 Constitution of Japan redefined the emperor's role.