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| | Japanese Culture - Royalty - The Imperial Family |
 | | A combination of efforts to free the emperor from the web of entrenched bureaucracy and the court's increasing preoccupation with the pursuit of the arts and literature led to a situation where the real power was held by those occupying the posts of regent, for emperors not yet of age, and chief advisor. |
 | | The regalia, a mirror, a sword and a curved jewel are symbols of the legitimacy and authority of the emperor. |
 | | Emperor Akihito (Heisei), who acceded the throne on January 7, 1989, upon the death of his father, the Emperor Hirohito (posthumously Emperor Showa), was born in Tokyo on December 23, 1933 (this date is now a national holiday). |
| www.japan-zone.com /culture/imperial.shtml (1424 words) |
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