
Japan Spends $110M a Year on an Emperor With Zero Power: Here's Why
Published: September 10, 2026
Duration: 15:42
Ever wondered why Japan drops $110 million every year on someone with less political power than your local city council member? Emma Reid breaks down the mind-bending economics behind keeping an emperor who literally can't even vote in his own country.
Turns out, maintaining ceremonial traditions costs way more than your mortgage, your car payment, and your grocery bill combined. But here's the kicker: most Japanese taxpayers have never actually seen a breakdown of where that money goes.
🎯 What You'll Learn:
• How the imperial family went from 50+ members to just a handful (and why that still costs a fortune)
• The exact moment...