Temporary delegation of the Emperor's Acts in matters of State

His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince attends the Ceremony of Appointment of Officials with Imperial Attestation, in the Matsu-no-Ma (State room) of the Imperial Palace in June 1997, under a temporary delegation of the Emperor's acts in matters of State while His Majesty was on a foreign visit.
(Photo: Imperial Household Agency)

The Emperor may delegate the performance of his acts in matters of State as provided by law (Constitution of Japan, Article 4(2)).

The Emperor may delegate the performance of his acts in matters of State to a member of the Imperial Family according to the order of assumption for Regency, as stipulated in the Imperial House Law, with the advice and approval of the Cabinet, when he is afflicted with a serious disease, mental or physical, or there is a serious hindrance, in cases other than those fit for establishment of Regency. (Act on Temporary Delegation of the Emperor's Acts in Matters of State, Article 2)