Hirohito's authority within imperial convention

Hirohito occupied a position between the common extremes of total control and complete powerlessness. Formal and informal conventions governed how he could ask questions, signal doubt, and preserve the appearance of reigning without ordinary political rule. Because actions were taken in his name, a question or hesitation could sometimes stop a policy. Determined officials could also claim that the absence of an explicit refusal meant approval, making the effect of imperial authority depend heavily on the listener.