Proclamation of Crown Prince: April 2020

[Prisma]

Sankei Imperial Weekly 665 reported Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko rehearsed the Rikkoshi no Rei ceremony on October 23 and 27.

On October 30th, the Crown Prince couple visited the Imperial Palace for another rehearsal, this time with traditional clothing and attendants. There will be 2 more rehearsals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u2RNLMGpVo

[Prisma]

On November 2nd, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the Imperial Palace to rehearse the Choken-no-Gi (First Audience) ceremony.

AP Images

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H09G2LFvUX4

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, and Crown Princess Kiko attended another rehearsal at the Imperial Palace on November 4.

AP Images

On November 5th, Emperor Naruhito attended the "Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi" ceremony at the Imperial Palace to dispatch messengers to Ise Jingu and the mausoleums of Emperor Jimmu and Emperor Showa to make offerings and report the "Rikkoshi no Rei" will take place.

Photos: Asahi, Sankei Imperial Weekly

Japan Holds 1st Ritual Related to "Rikkoshi-no-Rei" | Nippon.com

... The "Chokushi-Hakken-no-Gi" ritual, the first ceremony related to the Rikkoshi-no-Rei rites, was held at the "Take-no-Ma" audience room of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Naruhito, dressed in white, entered the room and handed via Nobutake Odano, his grand chamberlain, to the envoys documents to make the report...

[Tatiana Maria]

Originally Posted by Ista

One can't help noting the irony involved in the scaled down Rikkoshi-no-rei for the Crown Prince. He publicly (talk about breaking precedent) objected to the costs of his brother's enthronement ceremony, and now is having his own very, very low profile and presumably less expensive ceremony.

Originally Posted by muriel

The irony is certainly not lost!

It is a strong possibility in my opinion that he did so at the behest of his father, who was still the reigning emperor at the time, in exactly the same way that he broke precedent to criticize his brother's remarks about the treatment of Masako in the 2000s and to advocate for reintroducing abdication in the early 2010s. We can now be reasonably certain that on both occasions he was expressing the views of his father.

And his objections to costs were centered on state funding of religious ceremonial (in regards to the Daijosai) which some read as having nationalist overtones. I don't think that is at issue with the Rikkoshi-no-Rei, is it?

Originally Posted by REAL COUNTESS

Sad that the government did not change the Constitution to make it possible for Pss Aiko to become the CPss and Empress one day. Japan is just like the UK and other Royal Houses a Constitutional Monarchy. The laws are made by the Government not the Emperor. So female members should be able to be Empress in her own right.

If the government had wanted Aiko to be eligible to become Crown Princess they would not have needed to change the Constitution, only the Imperial House Law. The Constitution says only that the monarchy is hereditary and says nothing about the gender of emperors.

THE CONSTITUTION OF JAPAN

[Prisma]

Timeline for November 8

After 9am: Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will worship at the Three Palace Sanctuaries and report the Rikkoshi-no-Rei will take place.

11am: Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi ceremony to proclaim that Prince Fumihito has become the Crown Prince. ~15 minutes

Afterwards, Emperor Naruhito will give the Crown Prince's sword Tsubokirigyoken to Crown Prince Akishino in the 鳳凰の間 (Phoenix room?)

12:30pm: Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko will worship at the Three Palace Sanctuaries

4:30pm: Choken-no-gi (First Audience ceremony) to greet Emperor and Empress. ~30 minutes. After congratulatory messages, the couples will exchange (?) sake cups but will not drink due to coronavirus measures. There's some anticipation we will hear Masako speak for the first time in 17 years. Her voice was last heard in April 2003.

Morning and worship events: Emperor and Crown Prince wear sokutai in specific colors reflecting their positions. Empress and Crown Princess wear kouchiki, nagabakama (formal version of hakama) and osuberakashi hairstyle. Attendees wear morning dress or long dress. IHA staff wear traditional clothes.

Afternoon audience: white tie

The Crown Prince's standard, attached to his vehicle, will be revealed on the 8th.

Sources: NHK, Sankei, FNN

Live streaming options

https://www.gov-online.go.jp/sp/rikk...rei/index.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Sg37MW0HI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5O8EdMKY68

[Tatiana Maria]

Thank you for the information and links!

Originally Posted by Prisma

Afterwards, Emperor Naruhito will give the Crown Prince's sword Tsubokirigyoken to Crown Prince Akishino in the 鳳凰の間 (Phoenix room?)

Are there any articles about the history of this sword?

Originally Posted by Prisma

4:30pm: Choken-no-gi (First Audience ceremony) to greet Emperor and Empress. ~30 minutes. After congratulatory messages, the couples will exchange (?) sake cups but will not drink due to coronavirus measures. There's some anticipation we will hear Masako speak for the first time in 17 years. Her voice was last heard in April 2003.

I didn't realize it had been such a long time. I suppose the family only waves silently to the crod when traveling to their summer homes.

Originally Posted by Prisma

The Crown Prince's standard, attached to his vehicle, will be revealed on the 8th.

What does this mean? Is he to be granted a new emblem in consequence of the proclamation?

[Prisma]

Originally Posted by Tatiana Maria

Thank you for the information and links!

Are there any articles about the history of this sword?

I didn't realize it had been such a long time. I suppose the family only waves silently to the crod when traveling to their summer homes.

What does this mean? Is he to be granted a new emblem in consequence of the proclamation?

You're very welcome!

Like the other sacred treasures, solid information is lacking. A Mainichi article states the 壺切御剣 (Tsubokiri Mitsurugi or Tsubokiri no Gyoken) sword is traditionally inherited by the Kotashi (crown prince).

Heian era Emperor Uda gave a sword to his son the Crown Prince (later Emperor Daigo) in 893 and it was presented by kampaku (first secretary & regent) Fujiwara no Mototsune. This became an established ritual to designate the successor during the latter half of the Heian era. However the sword's whereabouts became unknown and a substitute sword was created for each new crown prince.

Managed by the IHA and designated a historical item for succession, the sword is exempt from inheritance and gift taxes. Whatever sword Crown Prince Akihito inherited in November 1952 was passed to Crown Prince Naruhito in February 1991 and now goes to Crown Prince Akishino.

Emperor Naruhito passed another crown prince-specific sword 行平御剣 (Yukihira Mitsurugi / Yukihira Gyoken) to his brother in September 2019 which was carried behind Fumihito during the enthronement ceremonies.

Kyoto University digital archive has a drawing of the (Tsubokiri Mitsurugi / Tsubokiri no Gyoken) sword from 17-18th century kuge (court noble) Kajuji family documents.

FNN describes the sword including handle is 1m long with the sword part 80cm, lacquered handle, embedded stones such as lapis lazuli, and silver decoration.

17 years... yea, it's been a long time. If Masako does speak on camera, then maybe a public speech or press conference will happen sooner than later.

I assume it's a new emblem/flag for the crown prince position. fnn.jp video at 1:49 shows Naruhito's Crown Prince emblem/flag (I think).

ETA: Emperor Naruhito entered the Imperial Palace after 8am. Empress Masako arrived earlier at 7am to change clothes and hairstyle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPxZXT5OCKk

[Tatiana Maria]

Thank you for the very informative post!

Everyone looks quite nice, although I would have preferred the entire imperial family to be in traditional court dress.

[Tatiana Maria]

Will the rest of the events be broadcast as well?

I hope to see translations of the statements that were read aloud from the English versions of the papers or from the IHA.

Originally Posted by Prisma

You're very welcome!

Like the other sacred treasures, solid information is lacking. A Mainichi article states the 壺切御剣 (Tsubokiri Mitsurugi or Tsubokiri no Gyoken) sword is traditionally inherited by the Kotashi (crown prince).

Heian era Emperor Uda gave a sword to his son the Crown Prince (later Emperor Daigo) in 893 and it was presented by kampaku (first secretary & regent) Fujiwara no Mototsune. This became an established ritual to designate the successor during the latter half of the Heian era.

Interesting that the ritual survived the transition to automatic succession (I am thinking of the way most of the European monarchies have disposed of ceremonies to proclaim the heir, even if they have all retained accession ceremonies for the monarchs, whose positions are likewise automatic...).

It is impressive that it is traceable to over a millennium ago.

Originally Posted by Prisma

However the sword's whereabouts became unknown and a substitute sword was created for each new crown prince.

I like the pragmatic mindset of the historical courtiers.

Originally Posted by Prisma

I assume it's a new emblem/flag for the crown prince position. fnn.jp video at 1:49 shows Naruhito's Crown Prince emblem/flag (I think).

Thanks. I see, so it is just the chrysanthemum framed by borders for differentiation (?). I wonder if Fumihito's will be identical.

[Prisma]

Originally Posted by Tatiana Maria

Will the rest of the events be broadcast as well?

I hope to see translations of the statements that were read aloud from the English versions of the papers or from the IHA.

I didn't see any live links for the next ceremonies but I expect videos will be released later for the Three Palace Sanctuaries worship and Choken-no-Gi. Last year, we got footage of various worship rituals for enthronement and Choken-no-Gi videos are usually provided.

Photo galleries (updated): Asahi, Mainichi, Sankei

Prince Hisahito saw his parents off around 9:15am and the Crown Prince couple arrived at the Imperial Palace 15 minutes later.

Imperial family screenshot.



Kyodo translated a few bits. I'm hopeful the IHA will eventually provide an English translation of Crown Prince Akishino's statement.

Japan crown prince formally declared 1st in line to throne - Kyodo News

[...] "I will carry out my duties by deeply acknowledging my responsibilities as crown prince," the 54-year-old prince, dressed in an orange robe, said in front of the emperor and Empress Masako.

[...]

In a congratulatory message called "yogoto," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the crown prince has supported his brother and his father, while also taking up duties together with the crown princess.

"The (Japanese) people have revered the crown prince and the crown princess after seeing how they have shown kindness in their interactions with people, so it is a pleasure to see the Rikkoshi no rei being held."

Crown Prince Akishino’s Rise to 1st in Line to Throne Proclaimed | Nippon.com

... In response, Crown Prince Akishino, dressed in the “Ouni-no-ho” traditional costume, said he will fulfill his duties.

[...]

The core “Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-Gi” proclamation rite was attended by 46 people, including Empress Masako, Crown Princess Kiko and government officials. Emperor Naruhito was dressed in the “Korozen-no-Goho” costume.

[Muhler]

The sword is a standard Katana like this:
https://pics.knifecenter.com/knifece...mages/88Ka.jpg

More correctly perhaps named a Daito.
Such swords are typically 80-100 cm long.

This one distinguish itself from its beautiful engravings and ornamented hilt and scabbard that also contains lots of symbolism.
Such a beautifully crafted sword, would via the symbols and not least how at was crafted (i.e. in respect of and in accordance with Shinto rites and how "clean" and "pure" the smith and also the sharpener was in body and mind while making the sword) would come to possess a spirit on its own.

There is basically a lot religion and a good deal of what we would label "magic" going into the process, so no wonder master-swords were (and indeed still are) worshiped.
Such perfection obligates! You need to strive towards purity in mind and soul and deed to be worthy of possessing such a sword. If you do not and you are unworthy in spirit the sword will fail you.

All that in accordance with the Bushido Code.

[Prisma]

More photos and videos.

https://twitter.com/asahi_photo/stat...55003670720512

As Supreme Priestess at Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture, Sayako Kuroda attended ceremonies related to the Rikkoshino-Rei.

Asahi photos
https://twitter.com/fuku428moto/stat...22388217622528
https://twitter.com/yuchumi6002/stat...38015103774721
https://twitter.com/OJGljroZtNm6YvW/...22548356116481

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v76d83Ve9u0

Carriage ride to the Three Palace Sanctuaries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7-mQztjAOI

Worshipping and reporting the Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi ceremony was completed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntTDoVT1XLw

Choken-no-Gi (First audience ceremony). The Crown Prince couple were gifted fabric.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrFMGvSCU5E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVcGB2VjfFc

ETA: Crown Prince couple leave the Imperial Palace after 5pm. They visited Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko following Rikkoshi-no-Rei rites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0TDn6kiuao

[Prisma]

The 8 dishes at the Choken-no-Gi are purely ceremonial and follows 1991's Rittashi-no-Rei menu. The food's not eaten. [Sankei]

sea urchin kamaboko
salted yellowtail
grilled duck
salted shrimp
boiled bamboo shoots
大飯（たいはん) translated as Ōi (tai-han)
rolled carp soup
sea bream fin soup

https://www.sankei.com/images/news/2...1080055-p1.jpg

SankeiNews has a different angle and a few closeups of the Imperial family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2tckYX-cRA

Asahi uploaded longer video of the Three Palace Sanctuaries ritual. The Imperial princesses and other attendees pay respects at the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB0u1bqgWSk

Choken-no-Gi ceremony from The Page. Less captions and no commentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1M1n7YvCcg

[Prisma]

Translations of Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi statements

Emperor Naruhito: "Today, I hereby perform the Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi, Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince, in accordance with the Imperial Household Law, and proclaim to those at home and abroad that Prince Akishino is Crown Prince."

Crown Prince Akishino: "I am filled with the deepest awe and gratitude at being proclaimed the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince, at this Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince. I will discharge my duties solemnly bearing in mind my responsibilities as Crown Prince."

Translations of Choken-no-Gi statements

Emperor Naruhito: "It gives me great joy that the Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi, Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince was performed today. It is my hope that you will meet the expectations of the people and successfully fulfill the duties as Crown Prince, fully drawing on what you have cultivated."

Crown Prince Akishino: "I am filled with the deepest awe and gratitude at having been proclaimed the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince, today at the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince. I will continue to discharge my duties to the best of my ability now that I have been proclaimed the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince. I wish here to express most respectfully my humblest gratitude."

Empress Masako: "I am delighted that the ceremony today has been performed smoothly. I hope that you will continue to fulfill your duties in good health."

Crown Prince Akishino: "I am truly grateful to have been graciously granted by His Majesty The Emperor the great honour of being proclaimed the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince, today at the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince. I wish here to express most respectfully my humblest gratitude."

https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/listsEn/2
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/listsEn/3

The Imperial family gathered at the Imperial Palace on November 10 for greetings and luncheon to celebrate Rikkoshi-no-Rei. 23 attendees included former royals and relatives at the celebration in the Take-no-ma room. Prince and Princess Hitachi delivered the congratulatory message. The minors, Princess Aiko and Prince Hisahito, gave their greetings at Akasaka East residence in the evening. [Jiji]

AP Images, Getty Images

This tweet shows the arrival of the Hitachi couple, Mikasa princesses (including 97-year-old Yuriko), and the Kuroda couple.
https://twitter.com/news24ntv/status...34918917378049

Notably absent was Princess Hisako who visited Nara and Kyoto Prefectures November 9-10 for the 72nd Shosoin exhibition. This online article speculates at a rift since the celebratory event and greetings are important and the exhibition ran October 24 - November 9 so Hisako could have gone earlier. Princess Tsuguko is scheduled to represent the Takamado family but the article claims she might not participate.

The Akishino family can't catch a break. Another online article makes the following claims:
- Crown Prince Akishino was grumpy before the ceremony whereas Crown Princess Kiko was thrilled to finally complete the ritual and solidify her husband's place as Imperial heir.
- Kiko wanted Prince Hisahito to participate but had to settle for showing him at the send off.
- Kiko was upset Tsuguko's burgundy dress was too close to Kako's red dress at the Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi. Kiko believes the other members should give special consideration to the Akishino family and called on her aides to reprimand the Takamado family. Allegedly, she has raised similar issues before when Kiko and Nobuko wore similar blue dresses to a feast and similarity to Empress Masako's dress. (I'm not sure I believe this because Mako and Masako both wore pink/peach at Emperor Naruhito's 60th birthday so shouldn't Mako consider what the empress is wearing?)
- former IHA staff Kouchi Seiichi (a pseudonym) says there are no clear rules on clothing and it's common to have similar colors and dress styles.

[Prisma]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko will visit Mie, Nara, and Kyoto Prefectures in late April to complete events related to "Rikkoshi no Rei" which were postponed due to the pandemic. The couple will visit Ise Jingu (Mie), Emperor Jimmu's mausoleum (Nara), and Emperor Meiji's mausoleum (Kyoto) on the 4-day, 3-night trip.

Planning began after Japan lifted coronavirus restrictions on March 21 but the visit may be postponed again depending on the infection situation.

Sources: Jiji, Mainichi

Crown Prince, Crown Princess May Visit Ise Jingu in April | Nippon.com

Arrangements are underway for Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko to go to Mie, Nara and Kyoto prefectures in late April to visit Ise Jingu, a major Shinto shrine, and elsewhere, sources said Thursday.

[...]

It will be the first time since the coronavirus spread across Japan for Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko to visit areas other than Tokyo.

During the trip for three nights and four days, the couple is expected to visit Ise Jingu in Mie, central Japan, the mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu, Japan’s mythical first Emperor, in the western prefecture of Nara and the mausoleum of Emperor Meiji, the great-great-grandfather of Crown Prince Akishino, in Kyoto, also western Japan.

[...]

[Prisma]

On March 25th, the IHA announced more details for the April 20-23 visit including the unusual decision for the Crown Prince couple to travel mostly by car to avoid crowds gathering at rail stations/roads. They will take PCR tests before leaving.

Schedule
4/20: drive ~6 hours to Ise, Mie
4/21: Ise Jingu
4/22: mausoleums of Emperor Jimmu (Nara), Emperor Kōmei & Emperor Meiji (Kyoto)
4/23: fly back to Tokyo from Osaka airport

This is the Crown Prince couple's first regional trip since January 2020.

Sources: Sankei, Jiji

[Prisma]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko will visit the mausoleums of Emperor Showa and Emperor Taisho on April 26 which will conclude the "Rikkoshi no Rei" rituals.

Source: Jiji

On April 20th, the Crown Prince couple departed Akasaka Estate after 8:30am to perform "Rikkoshi no Rei" rituals in 3 prefectures. They will travel mostly by car to avoid crowds at rail stations and streets, only flying back to Tokyo. 6 drivers will rotate during the ~800km journey.

Source: NHK, https://txbiz.tv-tokyo.co.jp/hiru/news/post_250136

Arrival at the Ise Jingu's Inner Shrine after 5pm: Sankei, AP Images, Getty

Chief Priestess Sayako Kuroda welcomed their arrival at the accommodations which is limited by custom to the emperor, empress, crown prince, and crown princess. It's the Akishino couple's first time staying at the residence.

https://twitter.com/nacocchi2018/sta...74762305749002

Japan Crown Prince, Crown Princess Arrive at Ise Jingu | Nippon.com

[...]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko left their residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward by car earlier the same day. After traveling about eight and a half hours including breaks, they arrived at the Naiku inner area of the shrine at around 5 p.m. (8 a.m. GMT). Some 100 shrine staff bowed to greet the couple, who bowed back from their car.

The Crown Prince and Crown Princess then headed to the "Anzaisho," an accommodation facility for Imperial Family members, where they were greeted by Sayako Kuroda, the sister of the Emperor and the Crown Prince, who serves as a Ise Jingu priest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jE_HX3FItQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEXRSQCNaKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qrz23s3mmM

[Prisma]

On April 21st, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko worshipped and reported the completion of "Rikkoshi no Rei" at the Geku and Naiku of Ise Jingu. They offered tamagushi. Chief Priestess Sayako Kuroda also attend.

Geku (outer shrine) enshrines Toyo'uke-no-Omikami, guardian of well-being, providing three essentials of human life: cloth, food and shelter.

Naiku (inner shrine) enshrines Amaterasu-Omikami, ancestral deity of the Imperial family, and the Mirror, one of the Imperial Regalia/Three Treasures of Japan.

By becoming Crown Prince/ss, the Akishino couple went to the front of the Mizugaki South Gate, which is deeper than the worship 4 years ago. They travel to Nara Prefecture afterwards. TV Tokyo reports the prince's slight tension approaching Geku, passing through the torii gates, to worship for the first time in a place where he could not enter until becoming Koshi.

Photos: AP Images, Getty

FNN gallery Geku
FNN gallery Naiku

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoxEmNbqcxU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrbi1VqZoLY

Japan Crown Prince, Crown Princess Visit Ise Jingu | Nippon.com

Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited Ise Jingu, a major Shinto shrine in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, Thursday to report the completion of ceremonies that proclaimed the Crown Prince's rise to first in line to the throne.

[...]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko first visited the "Geku" outer area of the shrine, where "Toyouke-no-Omikami," the god of food, clothing and housing, is enshrined. The couple then advanced to the "Seiden" main hall, where they made "tamagushi" Shinto ritual offerings and gave prayers.

After that, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess visited the "Naiku" inner area of the shrine, where the mythical Imperial ancestor "Amaterasu-Omikami" is enshrined, to offer prayers in the same manner.

[...]

Crown Prince Fumihito reports proclamation to Ise Jingu shrine | The Asahi Shimbun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zcRghpJUYg

They traveled to Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture and arrived at a hotel in the afternoon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn9jTzQMmpg

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the tomb of Emperor Koumei, the 121st Emperor of Japan Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto on April 22:



** gtresnews gallery ** tt.se gallery **

[Prisma]

Thanks! The Crown Prince couple visited several ancestral mausoleums on April 22 to worship and report the completion of Rikkoshi no Rei.

morning: Emperor Jinmu in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
afternoon: Emperor Komei & Empress Eishō, Emperor Meiji & Empress Shoken in Kyoto

They will stay at Kyoto Ōmiya Palace for the first time and fly back to Tokyo tomorrow.
https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/soci...9592ac4bc2b7a/

Photos: Asahi, Asahi2, AP Images, https://iseshima.keizai.biz/headline/3739/

Fumihito visits Emperor Jinmu’s tomb to report proclamation | The Asahi Shimbun

[...] This was their first visit to the tomb of Emperor Jinmu since April 2016.

After the visit, Fumihito and Kiko are scheduled to go to the tombs of Emperor Komei and Emperor Meiji, both in Kyoto Prefecture, according to the couple’s wishes.

Japan Crown Prince, Crown Princess Visit Emperor Jinmu’s Tomb | Nippon.com

Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu, Japan’s mythical first Emperor, in Kashihara in the western Japan prefecture of Nara on Friday morning.

[...]

On Friday afternoon, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess moved to Kyoto Prefecture, which neighbors Nara as well, and visited the mausoleums of Emperor Komei and Emperor Meiji. They also visited the mausoleums of Empress Dowager Eisho and Empress Dowager Shoken, which are located next to the mausoleums of the two emperors.

Emperor Jinmu around 9:30am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr2oVHv2Im8

Return to Daiwa Royal Hotel "The Kashihara" to change and leave for Kyoto around 10:15am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3806HQMzjoo

Emperor Komei & Empress Eishō after 1pm, Emperor Meiji & Empress Shoken after 3pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0SauBAkTOI