The Japanese ruler is an important figure in the country's history. The most common titles for this position are EMPEROR (7 letters), Mikado (6 letters), Hirohito (8 letters) and SHOGUN (6 letters). The EMPEROR is the highest ranking title and is considered the head of state. The Mikado is a title given to the EMPEROR during the Heian period. The SHOGUN was a military leader appointed by the EMPEROR and was the de facto ruler of Japan during the Edo period. Hirohito was the 124th EMPEROR of Japan, reigning from 1926 until his death in 1989.