Why was a emperor called a figurehead?

An emperor is often referred to as a figurehead when they hold a ceremonial position without real political power or authority. In such cases, the emperor may symbolize national unity and cultural heritage while actual governance is carried out by elected officials or a ruling elite. This separation allows the figurehead to embody tradition and continuity without being involved in the complexities of political decision-making. Examples include the Japanese emperor during the post-World War II era and various monarchs in constitutional monarchies.