Editing Emperor of Japan (section)

== Cultural role ==
[[File:Ceremony of the Utakai Hajime around 1950.jpg|thumb|''[[Utakai Hajime]]'' poetry competition, chaired by [[Emperor Shōwa]] and [[Empress Kōjun]] (1950)]]
The ''Tennō'' is regarded as the foremost Shintō priest in terms of religion. This sacred duty dates back to the [[Niiname-sai]] (新嘗祭, "tasting of new rice") imperial harvest festival. In this ritual, the emperor presents newly gathered rice to the gods. The celebration is known as ''Daijōsai'' (大嘗祭, "Great Tasting") and takes place in the first year after the emperor's accession to the throne. The historical text ''[[Nihonshoki]]'', written in the year 720, has the first mention of this ceremony, whose beginnings are believed to date back even further. The event evolved through time to become the Day of Thanksgiving for Labour, a recognized official holiday today.

The office of the emperor is also cultural bearer and steward of tradition and culture. For example, the ''[[Utakai Hajime]]'' is the annual poetry reading competition convened by the emperor. The emperor is supported in this function by the empress and other members of the imperial family, who have honorary patronages of many associations and organisations. They travel extensively throughout the year within the country to uphold these roles.

In sports, the ''[[Emperor's Cup]]'' (天皇賜杯, ''Tennō shihai'') is given to a number of competitions such as football, judo, volleyball, and the top division ''[[yūshō]]'' winner of a sumo tournament.