上皇(じょうこう)

じょうこう
noun
Emperor Emeritus; retired emperor
1. Emperor Emeritus; retired emperor
An emperor who has abdicated the throne. The formal title for a Japanese emperor after retirement, reinstated in 2019 when Emperor Akihito abdicated.
上皇(じょうこう)が退位(たいい)された。
The Emperor Emeritus abdicated the throne.
上皇(じょうこう)陛下(へいか)は現在(げんざい)御所(ごしょ)にお住(す)まいである。
His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus currently resides in the Imperial Palace.
２０１９年(ねん)の退位(たいい)により、約(やく)２００年(ねん)ぶりに上皇(じょうこう)という称号(しょうごう)が復活(ふっかつ)した。
Due to the 2019 abdication, the title of Emperor Emeritus was revived for the first time in about 200 years.

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

HISTORICAL NOTE:
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)
general
Added 2026.6.2 11:07
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