摂政

• Reading: せっしょう
• Romaji: sesshō
• Kanji breakdown: 摂 (setsu/to) — to govern on behalf of, to take; 政 (sei/matsurigoto) — government, politics
• Pronunciation: /seʔ.ɕoː/

Meaning

Regent; regency. A person who governs in place of the monarch, typically when the monarch is a child, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to fulfil their duties.

In Japanese history, the role of 摂政 was most famously held by Prince Shōtoku (聖徳太子) in the 7th century and later by Fujiwara clan members who exercised immense political power through regency. Under the modern Imperial Household Law (皇室典範), provision is made for a regent when the Emperor is unable to perform official duties.

Examples

1. 聖徳太子は推古天皇の摂政として国政を主導した。 Prince Shōtoku led national governance as regent to Empress Suiko.
2. 天皇が幼少の場合、法律に基づき摂政が置かれる。 When the Emperor is a minor, a regent is appointed in accordance with the law.
3. 摂政期間中、藤原氏は事実上の最高権力者として君臨した。 During the regency period, the Fujiwara clan reigned as the de facto supreme power.

Usage Guide

Context: history, imperial institution, politics, academia

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 摂 (to govern on behalf of another, to take on) and 政 (government, politics). Describes someone who takes on the governance role in another's stead.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal