- Article 1:
- The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State
and the unity of the people, deriving his
position from the will of the people with
whom resides sovereign power.
- Article 2:
- The Imperial Throne shall be dynastic and
succeeded to in accordance with the Imperial
House Law passed by the Diet.
- Article 3:
- The advice and approval of the Emperor in
matters of state, and the Cabinet shall be
responsible therefor.
- Article 4:
- 1)
- The Emperor shall perform only such acts
in matters of state as are provided for in
this Constitution and he shall not have powers
related to government.
- 2)
- The Emperor may delegate the performance
of his acts in matters of state as may be
provided for by law.
- Article 5:
- When, in accordance with the Imperial House
Law, a Regency is established, the Regent
shall perform his acts in matters of state
in the Emperor's name. In this case, paragraph
one of the preceding Article will be applicable.
- Article 6:
- The Emperor shall appoint the Prime Minister
as designated by the Emperor shall appoint
the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court as designated
by the Cabinet.
- Article 7:
- The Emperor shall, with the advice and approval
of the Cabinet, perform the following acts
in matters of state on behalf of the people:
- (1)
- Promulgation of amendments of the constitution,
laws, cabinet orders and treaties.
- (2)
- Convocation of the Diet.
- (3)
- Dissolution of the House of Representatives.
- (4)
- Proclamation of general election of members
of the Diet.
- (5)
- Attestation of the appointment and dismissal
of Ministers of State and other officials
as provided for by law, and of full powers
and credentials of Ambassadors and Ministers.
- (6)
- Attestation of general and special amnesty,
commutation of punishment, reprieve, and
restoration of rights.
- (7)
- Awarding of honors.
- (8)
- Attestation of instruments of ratification
and other diplomatic documents as provided
for by law.
- (9)
- Receiving foreign ambassadors and ministers.
- (10)
- Performance of ceremonial functions.
- Article 8:
- No property can be given to, or received
by, the Imperial House, nor can any gifts
be made therefrom, without the authorization
of the Diet.