帝

emperor, sovereign; god

Kanji 1616

Find out why some people call Japan にっぽん, how the mikado kept himself busy centuries ago when he had no power, and how to address the emperor properly if you ever meet! The essay also examines how the old Empire of Japan has influenced the country today, from traces of imperial words in the contemporary language to Japanese feelings about what happened in the past.

Revision history:

May 21, 2021:

• p. 2: Updated the Henshall etymology.
• p. 2, Sidebar 1: Changed the quotation from the Imperial Hotel website, as the content on that site has radically changed.
• p. 2: Slightly altered the wording in the paragraphy that mentions Shinto.
• pp. 2–7: Fixed broken links throughout the essay.
• p. 17: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Nov. 2, 2012: Originally published.