# Postwar Constitution takes effect (1947)

URL: https://history-japan.com/timeline/1947-postwar-constitution-takes-effect
Location: Japan
Categories: main-event

The Constitution took effect on 3 May during the Allied occupation. It established popular sovereignty, protected fundamental rights and defined the emperor as a symbol without governmental powers. Article 9 renounced war and became a lasting focus of political debate.

Ruler at the time: [Yoshida Shigeru](https://history-japan.com/rulers/yoshida-shigeru-1946)

## Sources
- [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan)