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tenno

tenno

1 9.9
The emperor of Japan who is seen as a religious or spiritual leader
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛnnoʊ/
  • Formal
: tenno
  • After World War II, the role of the tenno became largely symbolic.

Examples

  • The current tenno has a significant role in Japan's culture.

  • Many ceremonies in Japan still include references to the tenno as a spiritual leader.

  • The tenno was historically viewed as a divine figure by the Japanese people.

  • Many people regard the tenno as a symbol of unity.

  • In Japan, the tenno is considered a divine figure and a symbol of national unity.

  • The people of Japan hold their tenno in high esteem, viewing him as a spiritual leader.

  • Traditionally, the tenno performs rituals that connect the empire with the Shinto gods.

Synonyms

mikado
vstenno
  • Archaic
1 9.9

An old name for the emperor of Japan once seen as a religious leader

is the modern sacred sovereign role rather than a historical term

Surface Forms

tenno singular
tennos plural

Etymology

Tenno comes from the Japanese word tennō, which literally means 'heavenly sovereign' made from 'heaven' and 'sovereign'. So the emperor was once seen as a 'divine' and sacred leader.