The enduring value of Japan’s emperor
23 July 2019


Japan’s monarchy is unique: Its dynasty is the world’s longest-reigning, yet the country lacks many attributes associated with having a king or queen. In the allocation of political power and in the character of its institutions, Japan resembles a republic more than a monarchy. However, the emperor is much more than a crowned head of state. He is an essential part of Japan’s social contract.
Read more on
Insights delivered
A weekly summary, plus unique comments from Prince Michael of Liechtenstein
Related videos
Related reports

Report
Scenarios
Two anniversaries and six scenarios: East Asia’s outlook through 2020
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's long-anticipated statement commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on August 14, 2015 was neither a breakthrough nor a failed attempt to whitewash Japan's history, as some critics have claimed. It should rather be seen as a carefully planned and executed act ...

Dr. Stefan Lippert

Report
Scenarios
China-India-Pakistan triangle and the future of regional security
A shifting power-play of partnerships and tensions between China, India and Pakistan is likely to see Beijing play an increasingly influential role in South Asia. But despite efforts by China to blunt India as a regional power, both have concerns about the threat of militant Islamism within Pakistan and its ...

Lisa Curtis

Report
Scenarios
Threat of global conflict between the West, Russia and China is increasing
Tensions across the globe have increased to a level where Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks openly of Russia’s nuclear strength. Spending on military budgets is increasing in many countries except the West. And a desperate Russia is looking for new alliances with an emerging China as the West’s sanctions begin ...

Prince Michael of Liechtenstein

Report
Scenarios
Energy prices link America’s Asian pivot and Middle East instability
United States foreign policy in the Middle East and the Far East is becoming increasingly interlinked by the price of energy. Oil prices are the trigger to instability spreading from the Middle East to America’s major trading partners - China and Japan - and Asia’s other markets. Energy prices will ...

Anonymous GIS Expert