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How did the 1947 Japanese constitution change the emperor’s role?

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Map showing the territorial expansion of the Japanese Empire from 1870 to 1942 across East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The map uses color codes to indicate the original Japanese territory in 1870, subsequent acquisitions, and the farthest extent of Japanese occupation and conquest by 1942, including parts of China, Korea, Manchuria, Southeast Asia, and numerous Pacific islands. An inset map displays the broader reach of Japanese control at its peak. — Empire of Japan The Empire of Japan, 1870–1942.

The 1947 Japanese constitution fundamentally transformed the role of the emperor by shifting sovereignty from the imperial institution to the people. Under the prewar Meiji Constitution, the emperor was considered "sacred and inviolable" and held supreme authority.12

In contrast, the 1947 constitution redefined the emperor as the "symbol of the State and of the unity of the People," explicitly stating that his position derives from the will of the people. Key changes include:31

Loss of Political Power: The emperor possesses no independent powers of government. His role is strictly limited to ceremonial and constitutional duties, such as appointing the prime minister and chief judge as designated by other government bodies, promulgating laws, and receiving foreign ambassadors.3
Renunciation of Divinity: The emperor formally renounced his traditional claim to divinity on January 1, 1946, prior to the constitution taking effect.12
Shift in Sovereignty: Sovereignty was transferred from the imperial institution to the Japanese people, ensuring that authority resides with the elected Diet.12

These reforms established Japan as a constitutional monarchy, effectively ending the era of imperial rule.12