Translation guide
A person who holds a nominal leadership position but has no real power or authority.
Describing a person who is the public face of an organization but lacks actual decision-making authority.
Literally 'decoration', this is a common and natural way to describe a figurehead, implying someone is just for show.
Referring to the carved wooden figure at the front of a ship.
He's just a figurehead president.
Means 'nominal' or 'in name only'. Used as an adjective before a title to indicate the person has no real power.
彼は名目上のリーダーに過ぎない。
He is merely a figurehead leader.
Literally 'puppet'. Stronger and more negative, implying the person is controlled by others. Often used in political contexts.
彼は単なる傀儡の王だった。
He was just a puppet king.
The standard term for a ship's figurehead.
その船の船首像は人魚の形をしていた。
The ship's figurehead was shaped like a mermaid.