Imperial House

[Tokugawa]

House of Yamato
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The House of Yamato is the reigning Imperial family of Japan. It traces its lineage back to the mythical Emperor Jimmu in 660 BCE, himself a great-grandson of the Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu, but is more generally accepted to have started with Emperor Kinmei in 539 CE. Due to lack of conclusive written record the exact formation date of the throne remains a matter of historical debate and is believed to fall somewhere in between 660 BCE and 539 CE, with most sources pointing to 25-453 CE.

Following the Crisis of 2003-04 and the amendments to the Imperial Household Law any descendant of Emperor Shōwa, his mother and his three brothers, regardless of gender. Previously only male descendants could succeed.

The Emperor of Japan is the head of state and symbol of unity of the Empire of Japan. The Emperor is commander-in-chief of the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces and can appoint the Prime Minister and any Cabinet Ministers. He can dissolve the National Diet and call for new elections, as well as veto legislation passed by the National Diet (modifications to the Imperial Household Law, Constitution and the National Budget not being subject to Imperial veto). The Emperor can grant pardons and reprieves, and with the advice and consent of the National Diet appoints the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Japan. The Emperor also appoints judges to all lower courts.

Per prior Supreme Court rulings, the Emperor as the symbol of unity of the Empire of Japan is not considered subject to Japanese courts, and with regards to foreign courts enjoys sovereign immunity. Other members of the Imperial House are subject to Japanese courts.

The Emperor reigns for life or until they abdicate. Even with the latest possible date for its establishment, the House of Yamato is the longest still reigning monarchy in the world.

Living Members:

Her Imperial Majesty Aimi, Empress of Japan.

Empress Aimi ascended the throne following the assassinations of the reigning Emperor and all eligible male heirs in close proximity to the throne. Her era is known as the Chūmon era which began on the 22nd of July 2004.

Her Imperial Highness Michiko, Crown Princess of Japan

The younger sister to Empress Aimi, Princess Michiko is the current heir to the Chrysanthemum throne. Until recently she served in the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, but in recognition of the danger still faced by members of the House of Yamato the Empress granted her a honorable discharge. She currently advises the Empress on naval matters.

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