Conclusion: Can the Japanese Maintain the Symbolic Emperor System?

Even after defeat in World War II, the Japanese Imperial Household continued and the emperor became a “symbol” of the nation and national unity. In particular, Emperor Akihito made great efforts to be always close to the people and their thoughts, and hastened to areas suffering after earthquakes or severe floods to comfort and encourage victims. So the Japanese imperial dynasty has continued for more than 1,500 years, but it cannot decide its own succession or abdication rules, and because of these obstacles it might be extinguished in the not-too-distant future.