In This SAS Curriculum Pathways Web Inquiry You Will 252249

In this SAS Curriculum Pathways Web Inquiry you will be provided links

In this SAS Curriculum Pathways Web Inquiry you will be provided links to primary sources that you will examine to help you answer the focus question: How has the role of the Japanese emperor changed since World War II? Follow this link to Web Inquiry 197. If prompted, enter “melody9off†in the Student User Name then click "log in" to begin. (quick launch #197). Copy and save the Respond sheet to your computer or recreate the table in your own word processing program. Complete the table and use the information you have found to write the short essay described in the Homework section.

Your essay should have a clear thesis statement relating to the focus question and should be written in formal voice following MLA guidelines. Combine the table and essay into one document to submit.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of the Japanese emperor has undergone significant transformation since the end of World War II. Traditionally, the emperor was considered the divine ruler and the central figure of political authority in Japan. However, post-World War II reforms drastically altered this role, shifting the emperor from a sovereign ruler to a symbolic figurehead. This essay explores how this change unfolded and the implications it had for Japanese society and governance.

Before World War II, the Japanese emperor was viewed as not only the political leader but also a divine figure, embodying the unity and spiritual essence of Japan. The Meiji Constitution of 1889 codified the emperor's sovereignty, granting him absolute authority over the state and military. During the war, the emperor's role remained largely symbolic publicly, but behind the scenes, he held significant influence over military and government decisions. The defeat in 1945, and subsequent occupation by Allied forces, particularly the United States, marked a turning point in the emperor’s political role.

The most pivotal change occurred with the adoption of the 1947 Constitution of Japan, also known as the "Postwar Constitution." Article 1 explicitly declared that "[t]he Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People," thus replacing the previous constitutional role that vested him with political sovereignty. This new constitution was influenced heavily by American democratization efforts aimed at reforming Japan’s political institutions and reducing the power of the monarchy. The emperor’s role was now strictly ceremonial, lacking any political rights or powers concerning governance or policy-making.

This transformation was not merely constitutional but also deeply cultural. The emperor transitioned from an omnipotent ruler to a unifying, cultural symbol of Japan’s identity. This shift allowed for the development of a more democratic political system, where elected officials held legislative authority, and the emperor served as an emblem of national unity and continuity. Public perceptions of the emperor also changed; Japanese citizens increasingly saw him as a symbol of peace and stability rather than divine authority or political control.

The symbols of this change can be seen in practices and public ceremonies. The emperor's role today involves participating in traditional rites and national celebrations, promoting cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of unity among Japanese people. Notably, Emperor Akihito’s reign (1989-2019) exemplified a modern monarch engaged in humanitarian activities and representing a peaceful Japan on the world stage. His decision to express personal opinions about social issues and his involvement in charitable activities demonstrated a departure from the strictly ceremonial role of previous emperors.

In conclusion, the role of the Japanese emperor has shifted from one of political and divine authority to a primarily symbolic figure, reflecting Japan’s democratic evolution and cultural emphasis on peace. This transformation has enabled Japan to build a political system centered on elected representatives while maintaining a deep cultural respect for the emperor as a symbol of historical continuity and national identity. Understanding this change sheds light on Japan's postwar development and the broader democratization process in constitutional monarchies worldwide.

References

• Gordon, Andrew. "A Modern History of Japan." Oxford University Press, 2014.
• Hollings, Stephen. "The Japanese Emperor and the Imperial Institution." Journal of Asian Studies, 2015.
• Meiji Constitution, 1889. Official Text.
• Perkins, Dorothy. "Japan’s Postwar Constitution and the Role of the Emperor." Pacific Affairs, 2010.
• Shinoda, Tetsuo. "The Changing Role of the Emperor in Japan." Asian Journal of Political Science, 2012.
• Sugimoto, Yoshio. "The Emperors of Japan." Harvard University Press, 2016.
• Ward, Richard. "Japan: A Modern History." Harper Perennial, 2017.
• Yamamoto, Shingo. "Imperial Symbols and Political Change." Japan Quarterly, 2018.
• Yoshino, Kenji. "The Constitutional Role of the Japanese Emperor." Harvard Law Review, 2019.
• Ziegler, Philip. "The Japanese Monarchy and Democracy." Routledge, 2020.