The Age of Emperor Akihito

This book scrutinizes historical controversies regarding the past and the future of Japan in the age of Emperor Akihito. In Section I, each chapter discusses a different aspect of the historical controversy. The text then moves on to present a collection of the public discourse of Emperor Akihito, which offers a valuable source for analysis. This investigation of the constitutionally prescribed role of the Emperor as a national symbol will serve to help the reader understand contemporary Japanese society.