Naruhito

Definition

Naruhito is the current Emperor of Japan, ascending to the throne on May 1, 2019, after the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito. His role is largely ceremonial under Japan's constitutional monarchy, which separates him from political power in a parliamentary democracy.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government where a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a constitution.

Parliamentary Democracy: A democratic form of government in which the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament); the executive and legislative branches are thus interconnected.

Abdication: The act by which a monarch voluntarily steps down from their throne or position of power