Regency

Establishment of Regency

Regency is established in accordance with the Imperial House Law (Constitution of Japan, Article 5).

When the Emperor is a minor, Regency is established. In case the Emperor is afflicted with a serious disease, mental or physical, or there is a serious hindrance, and he is unable to perform his acts in matters of State, Regency is instituted by a decision of the Imperial House Council (Imperial House Law, Article 16).

The Order of Assumption of the Regency

The Regency is assumed by a member of the Imperial Family, who is of age, according to the following order (Imperial House Law, Article 17).

  • 1 The Kotaishi (the Emperor's son who is Imperial Heir) or Kotaison (the Emperor's grandson who is Imperial Heir)
  • 2 A Shinno (legitimate male children and grandchildren of an Emperor in the male line) or an O (legitimate male descendants of an Emperor in the third and later generations in the male line)
  • 3 The Empress
  • 4 The Empress Dowager
  • 5 The Grand Empress Dowager
  • 6 A Naishinno (legitimate female children and grandchildren of an Emperor in the male line) or a Jo-o (legitimate female descendants of an Emperor in the third and later generations in the male line)

Powers

The Regent performs acts in matters of State in the Emperor's name, The Regent performs only such acts in matters of state as are provided for in the Constitution and does not have powers related to government. (Constitution, Article 5).

Immunity from legal action

The Regent, while in office, is not subject to legal action. However, the right to take the action is not impaired hereby (Imperial House Law, Article 21).