General Information
It refers to the Emperor in Japan. According to the ancient documents based on the myth, the family tree goes back to the Gods. Since ancient times, it has been respected by the people, although the governing of Japan was often taken over by someone else such as the ministers or samurai. Now it functions only as a symbol of Japan under the present Constitution. In this modern world of equity, the existence of the family is a controversial dispute, but, according to some survey, almost 70% of the people are in favor of the Tenno system.

History
The current Tenno is the 126th emperor. The first Tenno was Jimmu Tenno, who appeared in the “Kojiki, Records of Ancient Matters” as a descendant of Amaterasu-Omikami, the sun goddess in Japanese mythology. This means that the Tenno family has been deeply connected with the Shinto religion, which originated from mythology, since prehistoric times. The family mainly conducted important religious rituals, but at some point in history, it ruled Japan. However, after the samurai began to govern Japan in the Middle Ages, the Tenno family lost its sovereignty. However, the samurai governments never tried to banish the Tenno family. This is how the Tenno family has lasted from the beginning to the present day.
The last samurai government collapsed under the idea of returning authority to the Tenno family, and the family regained the supreme position in the new Meiji government. Moreover, the Tenno was elevated to the position of a god beyond humanity. Under the principle of the Tenno as a god, the Japanese people were driven (e.g., “We will fight for the Tenno!”) to enter the war. Japan lost the war, and the position of the Tenno changed.
Now, the Tenno serves as the symbol of Japan under the Constitution. He has no political authority but performs only ceremonial duties with the aid and permission of the Diet.



Three Sacred Treasures
They have been symbols of the imperial family. These three are a sword named “Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi” enshrined in Atsuta Shrine, a mirror named “Yata-no-Kagami” enshrined in Ise Shrine, and a jewel named “Yasakani-no-Magatama” enshrined in the Imperial Palace. According to the myth, the Sun Goddess “Amaterasu” gave these to her grandson “Ninigi-no-Mikoto” when she ordered him to descend to earth and rule it.
Residence
Legend has it that the first Emperor Jimmu moved to Nara from Kyushu about 2,700 years ago. Later, in the 8th century, the 50th Tenno, Emperor Kanmu, moved the capital and residence to Kyoto. Since then, Kyoto had been the residence until 1869, when the family began to live in Tokyo..

Family Crest
The family crest is an eightfold chrysanthemum with 16 petals. It dates back to the period of Emperor Gotoba, who loved this flower and began to use it as the crest.
You may see this crest in some Shinto shrines directly related to the Tenno family.
Additionally, as the national crest, it appears on the cover of the Japanese passport.

Succession
The throne has traditionally been succeeded by male descendants in the male line. The Imperial House Act regulates this rule. However, this is an issue heatedly discussed among the public. Some think it is necessary to maintain the male line because the family must keep the unbroken line for eternity. However, many people agree that the throne can be succeeded by the daughter of the current Tenno, who has no sons.

Uniqueness
Even in the present era of equality, the imperial family faces some restrictions. They have no family name, no right to vote, and no right to choose their careers. However, they are never punished. They can never choose their own life, although they have no financial problems.
Moreover, their family life is often exposed to the public through the mass media.
Purveyors to the Imperial Household Agency
The stores of purveyors to the Imperial Household Agency were once designated to avoid heated competition among commercial entities. This regulation has been abolished, but the history of the designation gives these shops the prestigious status of top brands. https://goyoutashi.net/article/go-kashi/
In Kyushu, the purveyors include: Onohara in Nagasaki (karasumi, dried mullet roe), Koransha in Arita (porcelain), Fukagawa Seiji in Arita (porcelain), and Kakiemon Kiln (porcelain)