Editing Constitution of Japan (section)

=== The Emperor (Articles 1–8) ===
{{Main|Emperor of Japan}}

Under the constitution, the Emperor is "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people". Sovereignty rests with the people, not the Emperor as it did under the [[Meiji Constitution]].<ref name=":0" /> The Emperor carries out most functions of a [[head of state]], formally [[Imperial Investiture|appointing]] the [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] and [[Chief Justice of Japan|Chief Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of Japan|Supreme Court]], convoking the [[National Diet]] and dissolving the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]], and also promulgating statutes and treaties and exercising other enumerated functions. However, he acts under the [[Advice (constitutional)|advice]] and approval of the [[Cabinet of Japan|Cabinet]] or the Diet.<ref name=":0" />

In contrast with the [[Meiji Constitution]], the Emperor's role is entirely ceremonial, as he does not have powers related to government. Unlike other [[Constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarchies]], he is not even the ''nominal'' chief executive or even the nominal commander-in-chief of the [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]] (JSDF). The constitution explicitly limits the Emperor's role to matters of state delineated in the constitution. The constitution also states that these duties can be delegated by the Emperor as provided for by law.

Succession to the [[Chrysanthemum Throne]] is regulated by the [[Imperial Household Law]] and is managed by a ten-member body called the [[Imperial Household Council]]. The budget for the maintenance of the [[Imperial House of Japan|Imperial House]] is managed by resolutions of the [[National Diet|Diet]].