The Japanese Imperial Family is recognized as the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world. Its lineage traditionally traces back to the 6th century BC, though the formal title of Tenno (Emperor) or Sumera-Mikoto (Heavenly Sovereign) was first adopted by rulers in the 6th or 7th century AD and has been used ever since. The family crest, known as the kiku or chrysanthemum, remains a powerful symbol of the Imperial institution. Role and Status of the Emperor The role of the Emperor—and occasionally the Empress, of whom there have been eight historically—has evolved considerably over time. Until the end of World War II, the Emperor was considered divine, a living god by Shinto belief and national ideology. However, Japan’s postwar constitution, promulgated in 1947, redefined the Emperor as the "Symbol of the State and of the Unity of the People." Today, the Emperor’s role is almost entirely ceremonial, without governing authority. Origins and Early History Ac...