The Origins and Influence of the Japanese Monarch's Title

The Historical Connection between Japan and China

The monarchs of Japan and Thailand have titles in their native languages that are unrelated to "King" or "Emperor." The interpretation of the Japanese monarch as an emperor in English likely came from Western explorers and their translators. Portuguese explorers described the emperor's role in Japan as pope-like, as he had no political power, while the shoguns, who had political power, were described as Roman emperor-like.

The Difference between Kings and Emperors

The Western idea of an emperor differs from that of a king in that an emperor has power over several monarchs. The Tokugawa shogun in Japan ruled over other domains called daimyo, who had autonomy in administering policies over their territories. On the other hand, the Japanese emperor is believed to be a kami (Shinto god) in human form and wields little political power.

The Meiji Restoration and the Title of Emperor

During the Meiji Restoration, the title of emperor was conferred upon the "pope" of Japan, as the Tokugawa shogunate lost power. This marked a significant shift in the Japanese political landscape and the perception of the emperor's role. The distinction between a kingdom and an empire is that a king rules over his own people, while an empire rules over other cultures/nations for the benefit of the "home" nation.

The Influence of China and the Adoption of the Title

The decision to translate the Japanese emperor's title to "emperor" is an American choice, not a Japanese one. The title for the Japanese Emperor is 天皇, which comes from 皇帝, the traditional title of the Emperor of China. China was a strong centralized state that exercised power over multiple groups of people and states, similar to Rome in Europe, making it a de jure empire. Japan, wanting to be on the same level as China, adopted the title.

The Historical Context and Linguistic Differences

The English term "emperor" originated from the Latin word "imperator" from the Roman Empire, and Europeans wanted to copy that title as the highest one. However, the Japanese monarch's title does not contain the word "emperor" in Japanese, and the Western translation added it. The Japanese monarch's title, "Tenno," is often translated as "emperor" due to the historical influence of China and the desire to be on par with China's emperor.

The title of the Japanese monarch as "emperor" has its roots in the historical connection between Japan and China. The adoption of the title was influenced by the desire to be on the same level as China's emperor and the Western perception of emperors. Despite linguistic differences, the title has become widely accepted and continues to shape the understanding of Japan's imperial history.