Emperor Akihito and his abdication

[Prisma]

IHA is planning to hold the controversial Daijo-sai (大嘗祭) for the new emperor in November 2019. Since CP Naruhito is expected to become Emperor in April / May and no mourning period to observe, there is no hinderance for the Daijo-sai in the fall. [Sankei]

Emperor Akihito was enthroned on November 12, 1990. He performed the Daijo-sai on November 22-23.

AKIHITO PERFORMS HIS SOLITARY RITE - NYTimes.com

In two primitive thatched-roof shrines dimly lit by torches and bonfires, Emperor Akihito concluded a solitary all-night vigil of prayer and thanksgiving this morning as part of his accession to the throne, amid a continuing dispute over whether the rites transformed him into a "living god."

The ceremony, known as the daijosai, or great food-offering ritual, brought a solemn, mysterious and debate-filled conclusion to the events installing the 56-year-old Emperor

[…]

Before the ceremony, the top Government spokesman dismissed criticism that the attendance at the Shinto rite by Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu and his Cabinet violated the separation of religion and government as provided in the Constitution.

[…]

Indeed, the daijosai came two days after the Cabinet approved what it said was the Government's view that the ceremony was not -- as maintained by many Christian and Buddhist leaders and constitutional scholars -- a Shinto religious rite that traditionally rendered the emperor into a deity.

[…]

After a ritual bath, the Emperor, wearing white silk robes symbolizing purification, marched solemnly surrounded by courtiers.

After his entrance, the Emperor went out of public view and, inside two shrines, offered food and rice wine to the spirit of his mythical ancestor, the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. He then consumed some of it himself while praying for the well-being of the nation and for peace on earth.

He carried out this ceremony twice, first in one specially built shrine of rough-hewn pine logs and grass mats from 6:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. Thursday, and then in another from 12:30 to 3:30 A.M. this morning.

The ceremony ended at 3:33 A.M. By then the near-freezing weather had persuaded almost a third of the spectators in a separate open building, who could only see glimmerings of the ceremony in the dark, to leave.

By contrast to the more formal enthronement ceremonies last week, no statements were made and no foreigners were allowed at the rites today, and 980 Japanese dignitaries led by Mr. Kaifu were kept in a separate room.

The Government has also drawn criticism because it budgeted about $20 million for the ceremony, insisting that it is primarily secular.

[...]

The Socialist and Communist Parties boycotted the ceremony today, charging that it violated the constitutional ban on state support of religion.

[…]

Left-wing opponents of the rite have firebombed several Shinto shrines in protest, causing heavy damage.

[…]

 

[Prisma]

The Imperial Household Council meeting on December 1st will be delayed from 9am to 9:45am due to scheduling issues. [Sankei]

EDITORIAL: Public opinion should have been heard on setting abdication date: The Asahi Shimbun

[...]

The government reportedly favors April 30, 2019...

[...] It is hard to make a compelling case for this proposal, which has been floated so abruptly.

In an Asahi Shimbun survey this summer, 70 percent of the respondents favored a change in era name ["gengo"] on Jan. 1, with 16 percent voting for April 1, when a new fiscal year begins in Japan. The adoption of a new era name in May was not among the options given in the survey.

[...]

Asahi Shimbun editorials on this issue have argued that the first consideration in the date selection should be given to citizens’ daily lives and that there is no need to make a choice that runs counter to public opinion.

But the Imperial Household Agency has balked at the idea of changing the era name on Jan. 1. The agency has pointed out that a string of ceremonies and religious rites will be held at the Imperial Court in the lead-up to the event and after the turn of the year. In addition, the agency says, a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the death of Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, will be held on Jan. 7, 2019.

The administration has demurred at April 1, saying Diet deliberations on a draft budget and unified local elections will take place in March and April...

These arguments create the impression that policymakers are placing higher priority on private events of the imperial family and the political calendar than on the interests of the public.

Seen from a different viewpoint, these arguments may signal that when the era name should be changed is no longer such an important issue because Japanese today mainly go by the Western calendar instead of gengo.

[...]

...we propose that the government should take the opportunity offered by the planned change in imperial era name to make it mandatory to show both the gengo and the Western calendar year in documents created by government organizations.

The measure would help eliminate the time required to convert a gengo into the corresponding Western year and avoid errors that could occur in the process.

[...]

The above-mentioned Asahi Shimbun survey also found that 23 percent of the respondents supporting the use of the Gregorian calendar in such documents as driver’s licenses with 55 percent preferring that both the gengo and the year of grace be allowed.

This pattern also held, by and large, for the 75 percent of the respondents who said the imperial era name system should be maintained.

[...]

Whichever date may be selected for the change in era name, many Japanese will greet the day as usual and continue their daily lives without a fuss.

[...]

Prince Akishino says 'relieved' by emperor abdication law - The Mainichi

[...]

"I hope (Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko) will spend a relaxing time" after the 83-year-old emperor's abdication, Prince Akishino said at a press conference on Nov. 22 prior to his birthday.

At the same time, Prince Akishino denied concerns over possible dual authority between the new and old emperors.

"I can say clearly that it is impossible" that there would be dual authority as the emperor plans to pass on all of his public duties to the new emperor, he said.

[...]

... Prince Akishino will be first in line to the throne. On his hopes, the prince said, "As it is unprecedented, there are many things that I cannot imagine. I presume (the new duties) would be done through trial and error."

The prince said he hopes to take on the duties executed by Crown Prince Naruhito "as much as possible." But concerning who will take on his current duties, the prince said he needs to consult with the crown prince.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Akihito and his possible abdication

Emperor Akihito’s abdication date confirmed: April 30, 2019 | The Japan Times

Getty Images (fixed)

A panel of politicians, the judiciary and Imperial family members on Friday set April 30, 2019, as the date for the abdication of Emperor Akihito.

[...]

...Crown Prince Naruhito, would ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne the following day.

[...]

The Imperial Household Council is a national deliberative body summoned to discuss important issues concerning the Imperial family, such as marriage of male family members and the loss of Imperial status. It was last held in 1993 to approve the Crown Prince’s marriage to Masako Owada.
Friday’s meeting was the eighth Imperial Household Council gathering, with the first held in 1947.

[...]

After fixing the date, the government is expected to set up an organization headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga to prepare for ceremonies to mark the Imperial succession.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend throne on May 1, 2019: The Asahi Shimbun

[…]

"We will make every effort to ensure that the abdication of the emperor and the ascension of the crown prince are conducted flawlessly amid a celebration from the public," Abe said.

[…]

No vote was taken during the Imperial Household Council meeting on the two dates. Rather, after opinions were heard from council members, Abe expressed his thoughts about the abdication date and a decision was made. The closed-door session lasted an hour and 14 minutes.

The Abe Cabinet is expected to grant formal approval to the abdication date at a meeting scheduled for Dec. 8.

Chaired by Abe, the council comprises representatives from the Diet, the Supreme Court and the imperial household.

[…]

The nine other members of the council are Tadamori Oshima, Lower House speaker; Chuichi Date, Upper House president; Hirotaka Akamatsu, Lower House vice speaker; Akira Gunji, Upper House vice president; Supreme Court Chief Justice Itsuro Terada; Justice Kiyoko Okabe; Shinichiro Yamamoto, grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency; Prince Hitachi, younger brother of Akihito; and Princess Hanako.

[…]

Imperial Household Agency looks toward celebrations for change in emperors - The Mainichi

A sense of relief has been brought to the Imperial Household Agency after the Imperial House Council on Dec. 1 recommended the date for Emperor Akihito's abdication, but the agency is nevertheless focused on marking the succession in a proper manner.

[…]

"Imperial succession is a big deal for Japan. We want to press ahead with the preparations so that the entire nation can celebrate the succession," said a senior official at the Imperial Household Agency.

[…] red carpet was laid down on the steps inside the entrance to the Imperial Household Agency building. This was done in preparation for the arrival of the council members on Dec. 1.

"This will enable us to mark the day (of the announcement date) in an appropriate manner," a staff member explained.

[…]

In addition, the former grand steward of the agency, Noriyuki Kazaoka, told his staff the following when he retired from office in September 2016: "I want you to fulfill the wishes of His Majesty as early as possible."

 

[Muhler]

So no public down playing of the event? - Good.

 

[Princess Larisa]

So no public down playing of the event? - Good.

It is my understanding that the abdication will be downplayed, but the enthronement of the new Emperor Naruhito will have all the usual pomp.

 

[Prisma]

I hope for something on April 30 / May 1. Perhaps the simple abdication ceremony will be televised and Emperor Naruhito will have an event on May 1st. The succession will take place in the middle of Japan's Golden Week holidays.

April 29: Showa Day
**April 30: Emperor Akihito's abdication
**May 1: Emperor Naruhito succeeds and new era begins
May 3: Constitution Day
May 4: Greenery Day
May 5: Children's Day

Japan ponders Imperial succession for modern times- Nikkei Asian Review

[…]

The possibility of an emperor relinquishing the throne before death had not been envisioned in modern times. The last Japanese monarch to do so was Emperor Kokaku in 1817. The transition will involve many issues that did not arise when Akihito assumed the throne nearly three decades ago.

[…]

The Imperial Household Agency is combing through old records of past abdications and figuring out how to adapt the proceedings in light of the modern roles of the emperor and his family.

The succession ceremonies are "an important occasion -- they show that the emperor's symbolic role has ended and that the crown prince has become the new emperor," a senior Imperial Household Agency official said. "We have to consider how to make them easy for the public to understand."

[…]

Nearly 30 years into the Heisei era, the Imperial family must reckon with the changes that globalization and the internet have wrought in Japanese society. Naruhito, who has in the past talked about "new official duties that are in step with the times," has expressed determination to follow his father's example.

"I would like to honor the wishes of His Majesty," he said in June ahead of a visit to Denmark, "as I continue to devote my whole self to fulfilling my duties."

[…]

Hideaki Oda, a former head of the old Construction Ministry's River Bureau, remarked that Naruhito "has a talent for getting people to talk." Oda, who corresponds with the crown prince on water issues -- a particular passion of Naruhito's -- recalled a 2003 visit to Japan by Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, then the head of the World Water Council. The taciturn Egyptian chatted comfortably with Naruhito even at their first meeting, Oda said.

In the run-up to his accession, the crown prince is considering what sort of relationship he wants to build with the public, said Hirohito Suzuki, an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Project Design in Tokyo.

"I expect that the people will also make known what kind of Imperial family they want, and their relationship in this new era will involve the public and the Imperial family supporting each other," he said.

 

[Prisma]

Enthronement ceremonies eyed for autumn '19 - The Japan News

The sokui no rei enthronement ceremonies for Crown Prince Naruhito are expected to take place in autumn 2019, about a half year after the Emperor’s abdicates on April 30 and the crown prince accedes to the throne the following day, government sources said Saturday.

[...]

The government is slated to launch a task force headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga early next year to discuss proceedings of the ceremonies, with a view to cutting related expenses as much as possible, the sources said.

[...]

The government will consider cutting costs for the kyoen no gi banquets, in an effort to win public support for conducting various ceremonies for the Imperial succession.

In the last succession, a total of seven such banquets were held for four days.

Thorough preparations will enable smooth Imperial throne succession - The Japan News

[...]

The Emperor, who will be referred to as “joko” after the abdication, will basically step back from official duties, but is expected to continue private activities such as travel.

It would be undesirable for the joko to give the impression that he stands on an equal footing with the emperor, who is the “symbol of Japan.” The government should make clear its stance on what is proper regarding the joko’s activities.

It is also necessary to waste no time in discussing details on staffing a section that will be established at the Imperial Household Agency to support the joko, as well as on the joko’s residence. Preparations for the accession ceremony and Daijosai (Grand Thanksgiving festival), both planned to be held in 2019, also must not be neglected.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Gov't mulls 10-day holiday period around Imperial abdication, enthronement - The Mainichi

[...]

If May 1, 2019, was designated as a national holiday, April 30 and May 2 of that year will automatically become public holidays under the Act on National Holidays as they are both sandwiched by national holidays. This will bring about a 10-day Golden Week holiday period from April 27 through May 6.

The government and ruling parties are also considering an alternative option -- designating May 1, 2019, as just a plain public holiday, in which case the 10-day holiday break will not come about.

When Emperor Akihito's enthronement ceremony was held on Nov. 12, 1990, the day was made a one-off public holiday. A source close to the government told the Mainichi Shimbun on Dec. 6 that a measure to designate May 1, 2019, as a holiday -- whether it be a national holiday or a plain holiday -- will be an ad-hoc one effective for that year alone.

[...]

Plan ahead: Japan to consider 10 consecutive days off around Crown Prince’s succession | The Japan Times

[...]

The government will discuss whether to maintain the current Emperor’s birthday (Dec. 23) as a national holiday, and will examine how best to organize the Imperial rituals of abdication and succession, according to the sources.

[...]

 

[Muhler]

Wonder if it's an economic necessity, considering Japan's huge debt. Or whether it's a more ideological move. People shouldn't be left off the treadmill just like that. ?

 

[Prisma]

Cabinet rubber-stamps Emperor's April 30, 2019, abdication date | The Japan Times

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet on Friday formally approved April 30, 2019, as the abdication date for Emperor Akihito, which will end the current Heisei era in its 31st year.

The Emperor’s elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 57, will accede to the Chrysanthemum Throne the next day, May 1, in what will be the country’s first accession by a living Emperor since 1817.

[...]

Masafumi Sakanashi, the 58-year-old principal of a Kumamoto school that served as an evacuation center and was visited by the Emperor after the quakes, praised him for the trips.

“I felt he was very considerate because he was talking to each person,” Sakanashi said.

“I hope he will stay healthy even after his retirement,” he added.

Masakatsu Takara, the 77-year-old chief of Okinawa Prefecture’s Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum, echoed this sentiment.

“I think he must have felt a huge responsibility as Japan’s symbol,” Takara said. “I hope he will take it easy for the rest of his life.”

Takara escorted the Emperor and Empress during their June 2014 visit to the museum [...]

The government is considering holding the Enthronement Ceremony (Sokui no Rei), in the fall of 2019 and will set up an organization early next year, headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, to prepare for it.

The government is also expected to announce the name of the new era — or gengo — in mid-2018.

[...]

Summary of key meet on date for abdication falls short on details: The Asahi Shimbun

Minutes of a Dec. 1 meeting of the Imperial Household Council to decide the date for Emperor Akihito's abdication did not fully reflect dissenting views, it emerges.

Contrary to the government's explanation, at least one of the 10 participants disagreed with the April 30, 2019, date that will end the current Heisei Era.

The gathering was held in a special meeting room of the Imperial Household Agency and lasted for about one hour and 15 minutes.

[...]

Rough minutes of the meeting were made public Dec. 8.

However, the record covering five pages of A4-sized paper only carried three opinions on the most suitable date for Akihito to step aside in favor of his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

“I want the emperor to greet milestone of Jan. 7 (2019), which marks the 30th anniversary of his reign,” said one.

"We should consider how the abdication will influence the people’s daily lives,” said another.

The other one said, “The date should be a day that is suitable (for the people) to celebrate abdication and ascension in a quiet environment.”

After listing just three opinions, the document said that the meeting's chair, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, proposed April 30, 2019, as the abdication date and the participants agreed with it.

However, opinions other than those three were expressed in the meeting. One of those remarks was made by Hirotaka Akamatsu, the Lower House vice speaker, according to several participants.

Akamatsu initially favored Dec. 31, 2018, as the abdication date but agreed to April 30, 2019, at the end of the meeting and signed his name on the document that described the council’s decision. Since then, he has not spoken in public about his private thoughts on the matter.

Commenting on the government's reluctance to release a full record of the meeting, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that the members of the Imperial Household Council had agreed that the final abdication date was one that the Japanese people could celebrate together and it was not necessarily desirable to reveal who said what.

[...]

Regulations governing the management of the Imperial Household Agency’s administrative documents, which are stipulated under the Public Records Management Law, do not require the government to provide detailed minutes of Imperial Household Council meetings.

[...]

Nevertheless, the Dec. 1 meeting played a historical role in that it decided the abdication date for an emperor for the first time in about 200 years. Yet, no record now exists in the public domain of opinions offered at this vital meeting that differed from the government’s policy.

 

[Somebody]

I am already quite surprised that they released these minutes at all. I don't see a need for them to be shared. However, I assume that is current practice in Japan which might be why the media seems surprised.

 

[Prisma]

Emperor eyes simple abdication ceremony with no foreign guests - English Kyodo News

Emperor Akihito wishes to step down in an abdication ceremony that is "as simple as possible," without inviting foreign guests and holding a parade, the head of the Imperial Household Agency said Thursday.

[…]

"We have conveyed to the Cabinet secretariat the emperor's wish to conduct (the abdication ceremony) in a quiet and solemn manner at the Imperial Palace," [Grand Steward Shinichiro] Yamamoto said.

The agency chief said the emperor has harbored such an idea since around June, when a law to allow him to pass the throne to his elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito, was enacted.

Yamamoto said the emperor does not want a grand occasion because an enthronement ceremony for his son, who will ascend the throne on May 1, 2019, will be held a few months later.

[…]

About the article of "Weekly Shincho" (December 14, Heisei 29 issue) - Imperial Household Agency

The IHA also issued a denial and protests Weekly Shincho's December 14th issue, page 33 where it claimed Emperor Akihito wished for a festive atmosphere on his abdication with balcony appearance and parade.

ETA: Emperor wants abdication ceremony kept low-key: The Asahi Shimbun

[...]

It is the first time that Akihito’s ideas on the abdication ceremony were disclosed. Yamamoto also said that Empress Michiko shares the same preferences.

[...]

As to whether to greet well-wishers in the Imperial Palace such as done at New Year's Days or on his birthday, Akihito has repeatedly told Yamamoto and other officials that he has no intention.

On holding a parade, the emperor has not referred to staging one.

“It is unthinkable to do so,” Yamamoto said.

[...]

ETA: Official says Emperor desires simple abdication ceremonies, denies report - The Mainichi

[...]

"His Majesty isn't thinking of addressing the public in the same style as he does in his public appearances in front of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace," Yamamoto told reporters at the news conference. He added, "It's absolutely unthinkable that His Majesty desires something glamorous (like a parade)."

As to the reason why he disclosed the Emperor's intentions, Yamamoto said, "I thought I should clarify His Majesty's thoughts to avoid misunderstanding."

In response to a protest lodged by the Imperial Household Agency, the Shukan Shincho editorial department released a statement on Dec. 14 on its website, saying, "We're confident that the content of the article is accurate."

 

[Prisma]

Japan mulls holding emperor's abdication ceremony as state occasion | Kyodo News

The Japanese government is considering holding Emperor Akihito's abdication ceremony at the Imperial Palace on April 30, 2019 as a state occasion, government sources said Monday.

[...]

The government will set up an organization headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga in January to prepare for a spate of ceremonies based on traditional rituals. [...]

One of the upcoming events is "Kenji-to-Shokei-no-gi" -- a ceremony to hand down to the new emperor the sacred sword and jewels of the Imperial Regalia, as well as the Privy Seal and the State Seal.

[...]

Emperor and Empress to make temporary move to Takanawa residence after abdication | The Japan Times

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will move temporarily from the Imperial Palace to the Takanawa residence, both in Tokyo, after his abdication on April 30, 2019, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday.

The couple will move again within about 18 months from the residence to the Togu Palace on the Akasaka Estate, also in Tokyo, Yasuhiko Nishimura, vice grand steward at the agency, said at a regular news conference.

[...]

The Takanawa residence, in Minato Ward, was built in September 1973 for Prince and Princess Takamatsu. It has not been used since the death of the princess, Kikuko, Emperor Akihito’s aunt, in December 2004.

The residence will be repaired by the end of March 2019 in preparation for the arrival of the Imperial Couple.

[...]

The Togu Palace will be made barrier-free before the retired Emperor, to be called jōkō, and his wife, to be called jōkōgō, start living there. It will be renamed the Sento Palace, which means “residence for jōkō.”

Meanwhile, Prince Akishino [...] will stay on with his family at his residence in the Akasaka Estate.

As he is expected to engage in a wider range of activities as kōshi, his residence will be renovated and connected with an adjacent Imperial residence in the Akasaka Estate.

Mainichi.jp mention renovations include adding an elevator to Togu Palace.

Aerial views of Takanawa Imperial Residence: Getty Images

 

[Prisma]

Gov't mulls no national holiday for Emperor Akihito's birthday after abdication - The Mainichi

The government is pondering making Emperor Akihito's birthday on Dec. 23, which is a national holiday, a regular day after he retires on April 30, 2019, at least for the time being, out of concern that having both birthdays of the retired and new emperor as holidays could be seen as "duality of power."

[...]

The birthdays of Emperor Mutsuhito, known posthumously as Emperor Meiji, and Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, are set as national holidays as Culture Day (Nov. 3) and Showa Day (April 29), respectively, [...]

In the Heian period between the eighth and 12th centuries, as well as in other times in Japan's history, "joko," or retired emperors, retained power after abdications. Due to such a historical background, the current government has thus far put its efforts into avoiding duality of power [...]

A source close to the government says making the retired emperor's birthday a national holiday could be seen as empowering his title, adding that there could be privately organized events to express gratitude to the retired emperor if his birthday remained as a national holiday. The source stated, "Making his birthday a holiday should be avoided at least while he maintains his 'joko' title."

Emperor Showa's birthday was initially Greenery Day from 1989–2006; it became Showa Day after Greenery Day was moved to May 4th.

Jiji reports the government is mulling Prince Akishino's investiture as "Koshi" aka Crown Prince in early 2020.

Prince Naruhito was invested as Crown Prince (Rittaishi-no-Rei ceremony) on his birthday February 23, 1991 at the Imperial Palace with state banquets on the 24th and 25th. Related ceremonies were performed around that time.

Investing Prince Akishino as "Koshi" on his birthday, November 30, 2019 presents a scheduling problem as Emperor Naruhito's Daijosai (Great Thanksgiving Festival following Enthronement) is planned for November. Thus early 2020 is becoming a target and would not conflict with the Tokyo Olympic Games in July.

 

[Al_bina]

Why is there a delay to name Crown Prince? Is there a plan to skip Prince Akishino and go directly to Prince Hisahito?

 

[Prisma]

There are no plans to skip Prince Akishino. The special legislation enabling Emperor Akihito's abdication also specified Prince Akishino will be "Koshi" as he will be first in succession and because the Imperial House Law does not specify a title for brother of the Emperor who is Imperial Heir. He can't have "Kotaishi", Naruhito's title, as it is limited to son of the Emperor.

Both enthronement (currently planned for autumn 2019) and crown prince investiture require ceremonies, banquets, and rituals. It's a good idea to have a gap between the events. There was also a delay between Akihito's enthronement on November 12, 1990 and Naruhito's investiture as "Kotashi" aka Crown Prince on February 23, 1991.

 

[Al_bina]

Thanks for the clarification!
I see. I forgot about the elaborate ceremony of naming Crown Prince.

 

[Prisma]

You're welcome!

3.56 billion yen allocated to imperial succession in FY2018 draft budget - The Mainichi

The government on Dec. 22 allocated 3.56 billion yen in the fiscal 2018 draft budget to preparations for the abdication of Emperor Akihito and the succession of Crown Prince Naruhito.

[…]

As funds necessary for the ceremonies, the government allocated over 1.65 billion yen, which would cover the cost of garments that Crown Prince Naruhito and other Imperial Family members will be wearing, as well as furnishings that will be necessary at the ceremony venue. Transporting and repairing the stages on which Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako will be standing -- the "takamikura" and the "michodai," respectively -- during the enthronement ceremony was allocated 500 million yen. The stages are currently kept at Kyoto Imperial Palace.

[…]

In the draft budget, 1.73 billion yen was allocated to repairing the now uninhabited Takanawa Residence and other expenses.

The 1.73 billion yen includes design costs and renovations to Togu Palace, Imperial Residence, and Akishino Residence. The budget includes the upper limit of 153 million yen for Princess Mako's lump sum upon marriage. The Imperial Economic Council will determine the final amount. The Crown Prince household will add 17 additional staff; the Akishino household will add 13 staff and drivers.

The "takamikura" and "michodai" thrones were transported by SDF helicopter in secret for Akihito's enthronement due to measures against extremists.

Sources: Asahi, Sankei, NHK

ETA: $30m budget for Emperor Akihito's abdication | Nippon TV NEWS24 JAPAN (English video report)

 

[Prisma]

On December 25th, the IHA announced staff supporting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will be reduced from 80 to 65 after abdication. Specifically those responsible for administration of state affairs and perhaps medical personnel. Total staff supporting the Imperial couple, CP family, and Akishino family is estimated to be 190, 40 more than now. The agency already requested an increase in FY2018 and will seek the remaining staff increase in FY2019.
Sources: Asahi, Mainichi


On December 28th, the IHA announced the Emperor will no longer perform Imperial court rituals after abdication. Such rituals are religious events praying for the peace and security of the people; there are about 20 rituals annually. These activities are not included as public service due to separation of church and state. The new emperor, empress, and Akishino couple will take over. Prince Akishino as "Koshi" will take over rituals currently performed by CP Naruhito.
Source: Mainichi

I certainly hope Masako's medical team focuses on these court rituals and other ceremonies. She attended Emperor Jimmu's festival in April 2016, first time in 7 years, but I haven't seen attendance for rituals since then.

ETA: Emperor Akihito to discontinue Imperial Palace ritual ceremonies after abdication - The Mainichi

 

[Prisma]

The government is set to approve the attendance of women ministers at the "Presentation of the Three Sacred Treasures" where the Imperial Regalia is presented to CP Naruhito. Apparently there hasn't been women participants since the Meiji era established male only succession.

"Presentation of the Three Sacred Treasures" is the first ceremony for the new emperor. When Akihito succeeded on January 7, 1989, all the attendees were men - male royalty, Prime Minister, Minister of Cabinet, Chairperson of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, etc. There were no women ministers at the time. There should be women cabinet members when CP Naruhito ascends in 2019.

However, the government wants to limit Imperial family attendance to male royalty just like in 1989. The presence of female royalty will lead to discussions of female-led Imperial branches and female emperors, topics the government is keen to avoid. It's one of the decisions for the organization headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga to prepare for the various ceremonies. Some experts say women royalty should be allowed to attend.

Source: Asahi

 

[Princess Larisa]

However, the government wants to limit Imperial family attendance to male royalty just like in 1989.

Well, if they want to show and make obviously clear to everyone in Japan and around the world how few male members there actually are, this is a great idea. Basically there would be one royal guest there - Fumihito. (And Prince Hitachi – an 82-year-old man in a wheelchair.)

 

[Muhler]

Indeed. It may lead to people to really start discussing the problem with the very few heirs.
Only male-attendance will IMO only emphasize how close the male-line is to going extinct.

 

[Princess Larisa]

The Emperor’s birthday a few days ago also made me think about the visuals. This year there were 7 people on the balcony, in 4 years it’s quite possible there will only be 4 people – Naruhito, Masako, Fumihito and Kiko (Akihito and Michiko retired, Mako and Kako married, Aiko and Hisahito too young). I’m not Japanese, but if my royal family dwindled like that I’d be worried.

 

[Prisma]

Might only be Naruhito and Masako on the birthday balcony until Aiko comes of age. The Hitachi couple do not appear on the balcony for Akihito's birthday so I don't see the Akishino couple on the balcony for Naruhito's birthday, unless the custom changes.

 

[Princess Larisa]

Might only be Naruhito and Masako on the birthday balcony until Aiko comes of age. The Hitachi couple do not appear on the balcony for Akihito's birthday so I don't see the Akishino couple on the balcony for Naruhito's birthday, unless the custom changes.

But I understood that Fumihito will become Crown Prince after abdication. Would the CP not be there? Or is the birthday balcony exclusively for the emperor’s descendants?

 

[Prisma]

I don't know if the birthday balcony is exclusive to the emperor's direct family. Judging from Akihito's birthday, it appears so. The Hitachi couple and other Imperial members attend the diplomatic receptions and lunch banquet, not balcony.

Not sure what the birthday balcony was like during Emperor Showa's time. Perhaps Naruhito will include his brother's family.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

But I understood that Fumihito will become Crown Prince after abdication. Would the CP not be there?

That was my understanding as well--the emperor and his heir.

 

[O-H Anglophile]

Well, if they want to show and make obviously clear to everyone in Japan and around the world how few male members there actually are, this is a great idea. Basically there would be one royal guest there - Fumihito. (And Prince Hitachi – an 82-year-old man in a wheelchair.)

Indeed. It may lead to people to really start discussing the problem with the very few heirs.
Only male-attendance will IMO only emphasize how close the male-line is to going extinct.

This would be an excellent visual illustration of the result of the male only rule. Some are burying their heads in the sand.

 

[Prisma]

Enthronement ceremony for new emperor mulled for Oct. 2019 - The Mainichi

The government is mulling scheduling the enthronement ceremony for the next emperor for October 2019, [...]

Following the enthronement ceremony, a ritual called the Daijosai (Grand Thanksgiving), which a new emperor performs just once, will be held either on Nov. 14 or 23.

[...]

Under the Tokyokurei decree issued during the Meiji era, the enthronement ceremony and the Daijosai were supposed to be conducted in succession during the fall-winter period. Since the reign of Emperor Yoshihito, posthumously known as Emperor Taisho, both ceremonies have been conducted in November.

However, when Emperor Akihito's enthronement ceremony and Daijosai were held in November 1990, "the new Emperor and (government) employees were heavily burdened as the two ceremonies came close to each other," a government source told the Mainichi Shimbun. Accordingly, the government is considering moving up the enthronement ceremony to sometime in October. The beginning of November is also a busy period, with the Order of Cultural Merit conferment ceremony (Nov. 3) and other events.

The Daijosai is normally held on the second or third day of the rabbit in November on the Japanese zodiac calendar. Emperor Akihito commenced the Daijosai on the evening of Nov. 22, 1990, the day of the rabbit. In 2019, the second and third day of the rabbit in November fall on Nov. 14 and 26, respectively.

Since the annual Niinamesai ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 23, 2019, the Daijosai is being considered for Nov. 14, or to coincide with the Niinamesai.

[...]