Japanese Enthronement Celebrations: April - October 2019


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muriel said:
I note the absence of Charlene of Monaco.
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Hardly surprising or unexpected though.

Dman said:
Will there be any LIVE coverage of the enthronement? If so, what are the links?
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I believe there will be , but the time zone won’t help for those who want to see it live in the Americas.
 
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Aren´t there any "pre-enthronement-engagements" like they did back in 1990, like the Garden party?
 
Will anyone from Liechtenstein be present at the enthronement?
 
wartenberg7 said:
Aren´t there any "pre-enthronement-engagements" like they did back in 1990, like the Garden party?
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I think the garden party is the day after and then the PM's banquet that evening.
 
gerry said:
I wonder whether the King is at the controls for the landing:whistling:
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Yes, he is! Why do you think he isn't? He is fully qualified to fly this airplane. He received additional training when they switched from the former PBX (a Fokker F28-1000) to this GOV (Boeing 737-700).

You might be interested in this Guardian article.
 
 
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malluu said:
Has a full guest list been published? I haven't seen anything about Brunei, Morocco, Thailand, etc.
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I don't know about the full guest list, but the "Bad weather" article in post 229 lists the major foreign dignitaries.



The following is the lineup of major foreign dignitaries by region who are expected to attend Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony on Tuesday, based on a list provided by the Japanese government. More than 170 countries and international organizations will send representatives to the event.

Asia

-- Bhutan

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

-- Cambodia

King Norodom Sihamoni

-- China

Vice President Wang Qishan

-- India

President Ram Nath Kovind

-- Malaysia

King Abdullah

-- Myanmar

State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi

-- Philippines

President Rodrigo Duterte

-- Singapore

President Halimah Yacob

-- South Korea

Prime Minister Lee Nak Yon

-- Thailand

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha

-- Vietnam

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc

Oceania

-- Australia

Governor-General David Hurley

-- New Zealand

Governor-General Patsy Reddy

-- Tonga

King Tupou VI

North America

-- Canada

Chief Justice Richard Wagner

-- United States of America

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao

South America

-- Argentina

Vice President Gabriela Michetti

-- Brazil

President Jair Messias Bolsonaro

-- Chile

Former President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle

-- Colombia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Holmes Trujillo

-- Paraguay

Vice President Hugo Velazquez Moreno

-- Peru

Minister of Culture Francisco Enrique Hugo Petrozzi Franco

-- Uruguay

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rodolfo Nin Novoa

Europe

-- Austria

President Alexander Van der Bellen

-- Belgium

King Philippe

-- Denmark

Crown Prince Frederik

-- Finland

President Sauli Niinisto

-- France

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy

-- Germany

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

-- Hungary

President Ader Janos

-- Luxembourg

Grand Duke Henri

-- Monaco

Prince Albert II

-- Netherlands

King Willem-Alexander

-- Norway

Crown Prince Haakon

-- Russia

Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Iliyas Umakhanov

-- Spain

King Felipe VI

-- Sweden

King Carl XVI Gustaf

-- Britain

Prince Charles

-- Vatican

Cardinal Francesco Monterisi

Middle East

-- Afghanistan

President Ashraf Ghani

-- Bahrain

Crown Prince Salman

Africa

-- Democratic Republic of the Congo

President Felix Tshisekedi

-- Egypt

Minister of Antiquities Khaled El Anany

-- Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta

-- South Africa

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Candith Mashego-Dlamini

-- Zimbabwe

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Simbarashe Mumbengegwi

International Organizations, others

-- United Nations

Chef de Cabinet, Executive Office of the Secretary-General Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti

-- European Union

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini

-- Palestine

President Mahmoud Abbas
​
 
I wonder when this list was created. Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan isn't on the list and he is in Japan as the Jordanian representative.
 
Prisma said:
ETA: A good article about the enthronement and Daijosai (Thanksgiving) ceremonies

Japan’s Year of Imperial Succession Continues with Autumn Enthronement and Thanksgiving Ceremonies | Nippon.com
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Prisma said:
Pomp and Pageantry: Emperor Naruhito's Enthronement Ceremony | Nippon.com (an excellent article about the events)
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Thank you for your months of first-rate reporting on the abdication and accession ceremonies. Thanks to your posts I've come to a significantly deeper understanding of these events.

I second your and Ista's recommendations of the Nippon.com articles, which I found to be short, informative reads.


One point from the first article which puzzles me is why a Prime Minister hailing the Emperor in the hall of state, wearing a tailcoat, is considered less politically charged in postwar Japan than a Prime Minister hailing the Emperor in the courtyard, wearing Heian-period attire.



Prisma said:
Program of ceremonies for foreign guests (English PDF file) - includes diagrams, dress code, etc.

Japanese version is more lengthy...

[...]

The Emperor and Empress' entrance will be restored to pre-Showa era style as used at Kyoto Imperial Palace. They will enter from the rear of the Matsu-no-Ma state room and ascend the Takamikura and Michodai thrones. In the Heisei era, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko walked around and into the Matsu-no-Ma.

See comparison: solid lines are the new/restored plan and the dotted line were the Heisei era entrance
View attachment 301888
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Prisma said:
Jiji reports 30 42-200 inch monitors will be installed for guests to watch the ceremony as they will be seated in Homei-den (State Banquet Hall) or hallways. Due to the possibility of bad weather, a temporary stage will not be setup for guests in the courtyard like last time.
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Ista said:
I like the change to the Emperor and Empress's entrance, and a return to tradition is always an interesting choice. I wonder if the reason Akihito and Michiko entered from the front, with all that turning of corners, was so that the guests below could see them processing as they entered and left the State Room? If so, guests certainly were getting quite a distant view, so I'm not sure it was necessarily more inclusive. Was there any discussion of the reasons for both changes?
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Only speculating, but perhaps the return to the traditional shorter walk was a concession to the Empress's health?

Apparently the guest seating was a cost-reduction measure.


Bumper guest list sees enthronement-related bill rise 30%

Enthronement events for Emperor Naruhito are expected to cost 16.3 billion yen ($152 million), up 30 percent from former Emperor Akihito's accession, due mainly to an increase in the number of guests.

With dignitaries from more than 190 nations and international organizations expected to attend the main ceremony celebrating Tuesday's enthronement -- up from 160 represented at the previous rite in November 1990 -- the accommodation bill will be 4.1 billion yen more, according to the government.

[...]

One cost-reduction measure saw the government decide against following the precedent of erecting a stage in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace for the enthronement ceremony, saving some 300 million yen.

The government also trimmed 80 million yen from the budget for banquets to be held for attendees of the ceremony -- compared with 1990 -- by reducing the number of invites and events.

[...]

Security expenses, including police vehicles and equipment, have been cut 1.5 billion yen from the previous accession to 3.8 billion yen, as equipment purchased for hosting the Group of Seven summit in Mie Prefecture in 2016 will be utilized.
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It will be interesting to see the effect of seating the guests indoors before monitors rather than positioning them in the courtyard as observers. No doubt the new arrangements will create greater visibility for the guests and secure the event against the potential of bad weather, but the ambience might be less traditional.



Prisma said:
The government is accelerating preparations to accept more guests at the enthronement ceremonies in October.

Emperor Akihito's enthronement on November 12, 1990:
- Representatives from 165 countries and international organizations
- 474 foreign attendees including ambassadors living in Japan
- Prime Minister hosted dinner for 607 guests

Estimates for Emperor Naruhito's enthronement:
- Representatives from 195+ countries and international organizations
- 600+ foreign attendees
- Prime Minister will host dinner for 800+ guests

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent invitations to 194 countries, the United Nations, and the European Union. More than half have responded.

Source: Kyodo
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I wonder what factored into the growth in the number of foreign attendees. Is it simply dependent on the number of countries in existence in 2019 compared to 1990?


Mbruno said:
Most of it is associated with Japan’s state religion. I don’t see it changing as it is an integral part of their ancient culture.
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Japan no longer has a state religion and the separation of religion and the state is an imperative under the 1947 Constitution. As a result, the state funding of the upcoming Daijosai rite, which is perceived as a religious ceremony, has come under question (even from the Crown Prince).
 
Prisma said:
Former princesses Noriko Senge and Sayako Kuroda arrive for the enthronement. Noriko's wearing a tiara!

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The tiara is certainly a surprise. It looks as though it might be her Hokusai wave tiara? Hard to tell.

Edited to add: Definitely not the Hokusai wave, it's much spikier.
 
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At the website of finnish newspaper IltaSanomat there is live coverage:
Japanin keisarin Naruhiton kruunajaiset_ katso suora lähetys - Ulkomaat - Ilta-Sanomat

Felipe and Letizia
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHdCOb6WoAEGVTm.jpg

Willem-Alexander and Maxima
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdl_QNIMldjFXs_WatermarkPreview.jpg

Haakon
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdl0H3yYIfB0kw_WatermarkPreview.jpg

Live

King Carl Gustaf and Victoria arriving
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdl6MnJsgbtpec_WatermarkPreview.jpg
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdloRrYsezGijA_WatermarkPreview.jpg

King Carl Gustaf and Victoria and royals from Bhutan
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHdGnjvU0AAC9FN.jpg

Charles leaving the british Embassy
https://twitter.com/x/status/1186492968737181696

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHdQ_n_W4AAQGqm.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHdQ_ozWkAAUIIt.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHdQ_n7WwAYYAm0.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHdQ_oFWkAIC5bB.jpg

Always nice to see royals meeting
https://3.t.cdn.belga.be/belgaimage:157255052:1800x650:w?v=5da1df12&m=nociamid
https://0.t.cdn.belga.be/belgaimage:157255084:1800x650:w?v=5da1df12&m=edkipbea
https://0.t.cdn.belga.be/belgaimage:157255136:1800x650:w?v=5da1df12&m=egibmpom

Kuninkaallinen kerma saapui Japanin keisarin kruunajaisiin – Ruotsin kruununprinsessa Victoria vangitsi katseet veistoksellisella juhlaeleganssillaan - Kuninkaalliset - Ilta-Sanomat

Första bilden på Victoria under Japanska kröningen _ Svensk Dam

King Carl Gustaf and Victoria
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdlVIGWWqHFsZI_WatermarkPreview.jpg

Felipe and Letizia greeting Carl Gustaf and Victoria
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdliO4_vM6OwPM_WatermarkPreview.jpg
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdlHkky5rgJODc_WatermarkPreview.jpg

Willem-Alexander, Maxima, Carl Gustaf and Victoria
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdlgPgq4cB3kfQ_WatermarkPreview.jpg

Galleries from Belga
Belga Image
Belga Image
Belga Image
Belga Image

Gallery from TT
TT Nyhetsbyrån

Här samlas alla kungligheter för japanska kröningen _ Svensk Dam

Kronprinsessan Victoria bär blå klänning från Escada _ Svensk Dam

The man with king Carl Gustaf and Victoria is Pereric Högberg, the swedish ambassador to Japan.
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdlHU1AGWyV2A0_WatermarkPreview.jpg

Nice photo of king Carl Gustaf and Victoria today
https://beta.tt.se/media/image/sdlN5Tt5oI0zwo_WatermarkPreview.jpg

Royals steal the show in eye-catching fashion for Emperor Naruhito's enthronement in Japan* _ Daily Mail Online
 
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The imperial family members look stunning in court dress! The official live stream is of excellent quality.

Who was the official leading the procession?

Prisma said:
Former princesses Noriko Senge and Sayako Kuroda arrive for the enthronement. Noriko's wearing a tiara!

View attachment 301924
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Apart from the lack of an order, they look thoroughly royal! Does anyone know where they are being seated?


ETA: The official livestream is showing gorgeous close-ups of the decorations! I wish I had more understanding of the motifs on the platforms. According to the article in this post, birds are a royal motif as they were historically considered divine envoys, but what about the other animals painted on the base on the platform?
 
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I wondered why CP Mary was wearing the Order of the Elephant. Seems like she doesn't have any Japanese sash yet.

CP Frederik and CP Victoria are wearing the Order of the Chrysanthemum and Queen Maxima and Queen Letizia are wearing the Order of the Precious Crown.

Any trace of the Belgian monarchs yet?

Anyhow, I'm thrilled of the glittering jewels.❤️
 
Thank you Prisma, this is making my early morning worth it!
 
That's certainly Prince Alois near Crown Prince Hussein.
 
More screenshots of Imperial relatives. Interesting at ex-Mikasa and Takamado princesses wore tiaras and orders whereas daughters of an emperor (Sayako and Takako) did not.

Ayako and Kei Moriya
https://twitter.com/x/status/1186519388846903297

Ex-Princess Yasuko of Mikasa and her husband Tadateru Konoe. She's wearing her order and a tiara. Ahead of them are former princess Takako and her husband Hisanaga Shimazu. Takako is Emperor Emeritus Akihito's youngest sister.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1186545503829254144

Ex-Princess Masako of Mikasa and her husband Sen Sōshitsu XVI
https://twitter.com/x/status/1186547266368110592

Sayako (ex-Princess Nori) and husband Yoshiki Kuroda, followed by ex-Takamado Princess Noriko (without husband Kunimaro Senge) and the Moriya couple
https://twitter.com/x/status/1186550938233782272

I hope better photos turn up.

Excellent video of the morning court ritual, especially the end where the Imperial family bow 3 times to each sanctuary
 
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Lovely pictures so far. Love the style of the dress code for ladies, always loved long dresses with hats. Can't wait to see more pictures of the event.


Btw, is Ayako pregnant?


Also, where are the Brunei royals?
 
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kathia_sophia said:
Lovely pictures so far. Love the style of the dress code for ladies, always loved long dresses with hats. Can't wait to see more pictures of the event.


Btw, is Ayako pregnant?


Also, where are the Brunei royals?
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Yes Princess Ayako is pregnant.


From Brunei the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah with his son Prince Abdul Mateen


https://2.t.cdn.belga.be/belgaimage:157258584:1800x650:w?v=5da1df12&m=fbjmhhbd


Today Prime Minister Abe met kings from Belgium, Cambodia and Bhutan, and Sultan of Malaysia

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHd_EmGUUAATmu8?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHd_EzQU0AAPkZe?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHd_EmHUEAAK4c2?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHd_EbzU0AA8hAI?format=jpg&name=large




The Royal couple of Spain with the Royal Couple of Netherland and the King Carl Gustav with CP Victoria


https://twitter.com/x/status/1186581368974786560
 
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