上皇(じょうこう)

The official title given to a Japanese emperor after abdication. Used with the honorific suffix 陛下(へいか) (His/Her Majesty) when referring to the current holder.

Common collocations

• 上皇(じょうこう)陛下(へいか): His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus
• 上皇(じょうこう)后(ごう): Empress Emerita (wife of Emperor Emeritus)
• 上皇(じょうこう)になる: to become Emperor Emeritus

Etymology

The title was last used in 1817. It was revived in 2019 when Emperor Akihito abdicated in favor of his son. Distinguished from related historical titles like 太上天皇(だいじょうてんのう) (the older formal form).

HOMOPHONES (different kanji):

• 乗降(じょうこう): getting on and off (a vehicle)
• 条項(じょうこう): clause, article (of a contract)