Emperor Akihito and his abdication

[Prisma]

Panel tasked with 2019 Imperial succession preparations set to meet Jan. 9 | The Japan Times

[...]

The committee, headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, will meet next Tuesday to talk about how related rituals should be organized. It will decide the schedules for a range of events, including the enthronement ceremony, officials said.

The government will also set up a succession-implementation committee comprising officials from all government ministries and agencies in the summer at the earliest.

[...]

On May 1, the Kenji to Shokei no Gi ceremony will be held in which the new Emperor will inherit the Imperial regalia and the state and privy seals.

On the same day, the Emperor’s first audience ceremony, the Sokui go Choken no Gi, will take place. In it, he will meet with the heads of the three branches of the government.

[...]

Members of the committee will also include Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiro Sugita, the grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency and the vice minister of the Cabinet Office. The panel will meet about once every month.

[...]

The committee will also consider whether to designate the day of Crown Prince Naruhito’s succession to the throne as a holiday along with when to announce the new era name, which will replace the current Heisei Era upon his enthronement.

Emperor Akihito’s abdication ceremony will be held at the Imperial Palace. A proposal has been put forward to name the ceremony Taii no Gi.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Gov't may issue special coins to celebrate enthronement ceremony for new emperor - The Mainichi

The government has entered discussions on whether to issue commemorative coins to celebrate the enthronement ceremony for Crown Prince Naruhito [...]

Moreover, the government is also considering issuing coins to commemorate the 30-year reign of Emperor Akihito in January 2019, as well as for his abdication in April that year. A more detailed schedule concerning the coins is set to be determined in due course, but it is thought that gold 10,000 yen coins and nickel brass 500 yen coins will be issued to commemorate Crown Prince Naruhito's enthronement ceremony.

When the enthronement ceremony for Emperor Akihito was held in November 1990, 2 million gold 100,000 yen coins and 30 million cupronickel 500 yen coins were released to mark the special occasion. The gold coins have an image of a Fenghuang mythological bird and auspicious clouds on the front, with the Chrysanthemum Throne and paulownia seal on the back, and have an arabesque design. The cupronickel coins have an image of a ceremonial carriage that is typically used in imperial parades.

However, nowadays, the values of commemorative coins are kept to 10,000 yen or less, taking into account incidents of counterfeiting of 100,000 yen coins issued in 1986 and 1987 to mark the 60-year reign of Emperor Hirohito. [...]

[...]

 

[Prisma]

Gov't to compile basic plan for imperial succession by mid-March - The Mainichi

The government said Tuesday it will compile by mid-March its basic plan on the staging of ceremonies related to Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30, 2019, and accession to the throne the following day by Crown Prince Naruhito.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, who heads a new group tasked with preparing the imperial succession ceremonies, told the first meeting of the entity Tuesday morning that the government will "do its best to smoothly hold" the rites. [...]

[...]

After the gathering of the panel, Suga said the committee is expected to meet once a month and will also study how to organize a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the current emperor's [succession] on Jan. 7, 2019.

One of the main topics to be discussed by the body will be how to avoid a conflict with the Constitution in arranging the first abdication ceremony in modern Japan.

As Article 4 bans the emperor from having political power, government officials are concerned that if the emperor's reasons for abdicating are read out by an agent following old ceremonial tradition, this would imply that he is relinquishing the throne based on his own will, thus violating the supreme law.

One member of the committee said the basic idea and content of the 1990 accession ceremony should be followed as the event was conducted so as not to infringe on the Constitution, according to Suga.

The seven-member committee is comprised of governmental officials, including Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiro Sugita and the Imperial Household Agency's Grand Steward Shinichiro Yamamoto. Suga said it plans to hear opinions of experts on imperial matters and history.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

After abdication, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will not attend garden parties, state banquets, New Year's Lectures, New Year's Poetry Reading, or the Emperor's birthday greetings. IHA officials are reviewing activities to avoid the appearance of dual authority. Visits to exhibitions, concerts, and meetings outside state banquets/diplomatic ceremonies are considered private activities.

The retired couple are likely to attend New Year's general public greetings on January 2nd.

Source: Sankei

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Bearing the discussions of last year in mind, I wonder if the government has guided his decision.

 

[Muhler]

That's almost certain IMO.

Also because in the eyes of a number of conservatives the Emperor is letting the monarchy, the country and them - down by not staying on until he dies.
So this is both a strong signal that from the moment of abdication he is yesterday's man and also that he does not deserve to be in the spotlight again. - Never mind his service to his country for so many years.

Because it really wouldn't make much difference of an ex-emperor was present at royal events. Surely the Japanese can tell the difference.
But politicians, like everybody else, can be pretty petty-minded.

 

[Mbruno]

That's almost certain IMO.

Also because in the eyes of a number of conservatives the Emperor is letting the monarchy, the country and them - down by not staying on until he dies.
So this is both a strong signal that from the moment of abdication he is yesterday's man and also that he does not deserve to be in the spotlight again. - Never mind his service to his country for so many years.

Because it really wouldn't make much difference of an ex-emperor was present at royal events. Surely the Japanese can tell the difference.
But politicians, like everybody else, can be pretty petty-minded.

If you think about it though, neither King Albert II nor King Juan Carlos have attended state banquets or national day celebrations since they abdicated. Princess Beatrix is the only former monarch who still attends state banquets or similar events upon abdication.

I suppose the point the IHA is making that there shouldn't be an appearance of double authority in the ceremonial representation of the State is a valid one. For example, it was rather embarassing IMHO when King Philippe, at the state banquet in the Netherlands, proposed a toast to the health of King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix as if they were co-monarchs. I would actually call that a gaffe on King Philippe's part, but it could have been avoided if Princess Beatrix had not been in attendance.

 

[Muhler]

Ex-kings Albert and Carlos were more or less abdicated while Emperor Akihito is actually doing a Beatrix. I.e. stepping down without a serious stain on his character or rule.

Under these circumstances I will consider it natural for ex-kings Carlos and Albert to keep a low profile and stay away from such events - at least initially.
While Beatrix, who on top of that has a tradition for abdications behind her as well as adopting a title as Princess, can attend such official events as a natural thing to do.

 

[Prisma]

No Emperor's birthday holiday in 2019 - News - NHK WORLD - English

Japan will not have a holiday next year to mark the Emperor's birthday as Emperor Akihito is scheduled to abdicate on April 30th, 2019. The Emperor's birthday on December 23rd is currently a national holiday.

[...]

It will be the first time that Japan has a year without a holiday on the Emperor's birthday since 1948 when the holiday law came into force.

[...]

 

[Muhler]

That's only to be expected IMO.
He'll be the ex-emperor, so that's fair enough.

 

[CrownPrincessJava]

If you think about it though, neither King Albert II nor King Juan Carlos have attended state banquets or national day celebrations since they abdicated. Princess Beatrix is the only former monarch who still attends state banquets or similar events upon abdication.

I suppose the point the IHA is making that there shouldn't be an appearance of double authority in the ceremonial representation of the State is a valid one. For example, it was rather embarassing IMHO when King Philippe, at the state banquet in the Netherlands, proposed a toast to the health of King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix as if they were co-monarchs. I would actually call that a gaffe on King Philippe's part, but it could have been avoided if Princess Beatrix had not been in attendance.

I didn't see it as a gaffe, but rather a level of respect for a former monarch. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maximà seem to have a very close relationship with Princess Beatrix and obviously wish for her to attend.

I find it sad to relegate a forner monarch to a corner. Like the ex-Queen Beatrix and her other "abdicated" peers, they all devoted a significant portion of their lives to serve their family, country and people.

 

[Prisma]

Government pencils in February 2019 ceremony to mark Emperor’s 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne | The Japan Times

The government plans to hold a ceremony on Feb. 24, 2019, to mark Emperor Akihito’s 30 years on the throne, officials said Thursday. The government aims to include the plan in a basic policy, due out in mid-March, on ceremonies related to Emperor Akihito’s abdication […]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will chair the ceremony, expected to take place at the National Theatre in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

[…]

 

[Muhler]

That's to be expected. Emperor Akihito has after all served his country well for many years.
Of course that should be marked and honored.

 

[Prisma]

Gov't outlines ceremony for Emperor's abdication to fit in with Constitution - The Mainichi

[...]

One key point of contention was how to handle the issue of an imperial edict in which the Emperor would declare his intention to hand over the Imperial Throne. Such edicts were indispensable during abdication ceremonies of emperors in the past.

[...]

The government reported the outcome of its hearings of opinions from four experts during a preparatory meeting for the abdication ceremony on Feb. 20.

All of the experts urged that the ceremony be held in accordance with the Constitution's spirit while respecting the traditions of the Imperial Household.

"In line with the principle of sovereignty residing with the people, the ceremony should be suited to the Emperor being the symbol of Japan," former Supreme Court Justice Itsuo Sonobe was quoted as saying during a hearing.

"The ceremony needs to be held in such a way that it conforms to the postwar Constitution while taking into consideration ceremonial traditions," Isao Tokoro, professor emeritus at Kyoto Sangyo University, was quoted as saying during a hearing.

In its plan for the abdication ceremony, the government proposed that the prime minister declare Emperor Akihito's abdication in accordance with the special measures law enacted by the Diet, on behalf of the people, and express gratitude to the Emperor. This is to clarify that the Emperor is stepping down under the law -- not just by his own will.

Emperor Akihito will read a statement on his retirement after the prime minister's declaration.

During the hearings, Sonobe, Tokoro and Keiko Hongo, professor at the University of Tokyo's Historiographical Institute, insisted that the Emperor read a statement on his abdication during the ceremony.

[....]

Some conservatives claim that the Emperor's abdication ceremony and the Crown Prince's enthronement ceremony should be held at the same location on the same day so that the retiring Emperor can hand over a sacred sword and jewel to the new emperor as Imperial Regalia.

[...] conservatives have placed emphasis on the Emperor's position as the inheritor of the Imperial Regalia. However, a majority of the experts have voiced opposition to these opinions of conservatives.

[...]

Sonobe was quoted as telling a hearing that it would be inappropriate to hold a ceremony in which His Majesty hands over the Imperial Regalia while he is still on the Imperial Throne.

While showing consideration for the traditions of the Imperial Household, the government intends to clearly separate the abdication and enthronement ceremonies to avoid giving the public the impression that the Imperial Throne is being handed over through the ceremonies, from the viewpoint of conforming to constitutional provisions.

The government has decided that a chamberlain will bring the sacred sword and jewels into the room where the abdication ceremony will be held and leave the room with these items following the ceremony.

This is in line with the opinion expressed by former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobuo Ishihara to the effect that it would be appropriate if these traditional items that have been handed over along with the Imperial Throne are placed near His Majesty at the time of imperial succession.

Emperor's abdication ceremony on April 30, 2019 to be state occasion - The Mainichi

The government committee preparing rituals related to Emperor Akihito's abdication announced Tuesday that a ceremony to be held on April 30, 2019, the day he steps down, will be a state occasion.

[...]

The committee also decided to hold an event in 2020 to commemorate the promotion of the emperor's younger son Prince Akishino to "koshi," the title given to the first in line to the throne.

[...]

 

[Somebody]

It's interesting to see how they are able to make an abdication and ascension to the throne so complex.

 

[W.Y.CII]

They make EVERYTHING complex.


I don't want to be that harsh, (although I know it's a historical tradition) I think prohibiting female to ascend to the throne is killing the imperial family. (But OTOH I am glad that these princesses don't need to be empress and can leave the family once they get married, it's good for them to stay away from the throne or the court......)

 

[Fürstin Taxis]

They make EVERYTHING complex.


I don't want to be that harsh, (although I know it's a historical tradition) I think prohibiting female to ascend to the throne is killing the imperial family. (But OTOH I am glad that these princesses don't need to be empress and can leave the family once they get married, it's good for them to stay away from the throne or the court......)

Agree! Also the pressure on Hisahito is immense, if they don't do those changes, he has to provide several sons if they want to keep the dynasty intact. But like you said, this is also a chance for the girls to have their own lives, because this court is so strict.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

Emperor Akihito shocked by conservative experts' remarks that 'emperors should just pray' - The Mainichi

The comment that "the Emperor should just perform imperial rituals" made by conservative members of the panel at a November 2016 hearing came as a great shock to the Emperor. His strong displeasure with the remark was communicated to the prime minister's office by parties related to the Imperial Household Agency.

In response to the fact that the government panel's debate about abdication was headed toward allowing for a one-time exception for Emperor Akihito, the Emperor said that such an exception would be considered selfish on his part, and sought the establishment of a system that would make it possible for any emperor to abdicate. Emperor Akihito also reportedly said, "I did not think that my will would be twisted into something it wasn't," expressing dissatisfaction with the government's plans.

"His Majesty was disconsolate," a source close to the Imperial Household Agency said. "Does the government panel not know the activities in which the Emperor has been involved?"

At the hearing in question, conservative experts selected on the basis of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's preferences [...] made statements such as "The Imperial Family's meaning lies in its continued existence and its performance of imperial rituals. To ask any more of a role from an emperor is inappropriate." They argued that if the Emperor's official duties, such as visiting victims of disasters, were cut back to alleviate some of the burden on him, and he focused mostly on performing imperial rites, such as prayers at shrines, there was no need for him to abdicate.

A source who has a close personal relationship with Emperor Akihito said, "Such a statement is disrespectful toward the Emperor."

[...]

According to a senior Imperial Household Agency official, the remark amounted to a denial of how Emperor Akihito has lived his life, and apparently upset the Emperor greatly.

The agency official stated that the Emperor's discontent was only natural, and continued, "His Majesty is not performing imperial rites in the abstract. His face-to-face encounters with individual members of the public constitute the building blocks of his prayers for the peace, well-being and serenity of the people. Without his interactions with the public, his prayers would be vacuous."

[...]

In Japanese imperial context these are very strong words! - Wonder how they will be received?

With a criminal complaint against the IHA official and the journalist who revealed them.

Mainichi president, reporter accused of confidentiality breach over article on Emperor - The Mainichi

Mainichi president, reporter accused of confidentiality breach over article on Emperor
July 25, 2017 (Mainichi Japan)

[…]

Those who filed the complaints, including a journalist specializing in military affairs, accuse the senior agency official, whose name is unknown, the Mainichi Shimbun reporter and Mainichi Newspapers Co. President Masahiro Maruyama of violating the National Public Service Act.

The article that was run in the May 21, 2017 morning edition of the Mainichi Shimbun reported that Emperor Akihito was shocked by a statement made by conservative members of an expert panel discussing his abdication.

The letter of complaint states that the Imperial Household Agency official "revealed the Emperor's remarks to the reporter without going through proper procedures even though statements made by the Emperor should be kept confident as information that could affect his authority."

The complaint, filed with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office on July 24, also says the reporter and Maruyama "conspired with the agency official based on a common intention to reveal secrets."

[…]

Gov't outlines ceremony for Emperor's abdication to fit in with Constitution - The Mainichi

All of the experts urged that the ceremony be held in accordance with the Constitution's spirit while respecting the traditions of the Imperial Household.

[...]

In its plan for the abdication ceremony, the government proposed that the prime minister declare Emperor Akihito's abdication in accordance with the special measures law enacted by the Diet, on behalf of the people, and express gratitude to the Emperor. This is to clarify that the Emperor is stepping down under the law -- not just by his own will.

Emperor Akihito will read a statement on his retirement after the prime minister's declaration.

[...]

Sonobe was quoted as telling a hearing that it would be inappropriate to hold a ceremony in which His Majesty hands over the Imperial Regalia while he is still on the Imperial Throne.

While showing consideration for the traditions of the Imperial Household, the government intends to clearly separate the abdication and enthronement ceremonies to avoid giving the public the impression that the Imperial Throne is being handed over through the ceremonies, from the viewpoint of conforming to constitutional provisions.

The government has decided that a chamberlain will bring the sacred sword and jewels into the room where the abdication ceremony will be held and leave the room with these items following the ceremony.
[...]

Yes, the optics will look better for a democratic society if officials apart from the emperor declare the abdication and hand over the imperial regalia and throne to the new emperor.
I am glad that the Abe government is agreeable to adjusting some traditions of the monarchy.

 

[Prisma]

Japanese bishops make stand on imperial ceremonies - ucanews.com

Japan's bishops have written to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe demanding strict observance of the constitutional separation of state-sponsored ceremonies and the imperial family's private religious ones when the change of emperors takes place in 2019.

[...]

"In the ceremonies for the emperors' abdication and accession, [we hope the government] will strictly observe the principle of separation of state and religion prescribed by the Constitution of Japan and clarify the distinction between national acts and the imperial family's private ritual events," the bishops said.

[...]

During Akihito's enthronement ceremonies in 1990, the government not only paid for the imperial family's private religious ceremony, Daijosai, but the heads of the three branches of government — legislative, executive and judicial — attended the ceremony. The government also introduced traditional religious rituals of the imperial family into the main state ceremony, the "Ceremony of Enthronement."

The bishops criticized these previous confusions, saying they "do not correspond to the principle of separation of state and religion provided by the Constitution of Japan." The prelates said it was "very regrettable" that the government will reportedly repeat this for the coming ceremonies.

[...]

 

[Tatiana Maria]

The bishops said the separation of state and religion principle was "learned from reflection on history that Japan had fought wars under the emperor-centered national Shinto religion, and had violated the human rights and peace of many people in the world, especially Asian people."

"The Japanese government has a responsibility to never forget that unfortunate history and to not follow the same pattern," the bishops added.

I would think the historical connotations of State Shinto are the true driving forces of criticisms of state-sponsored Shinto ceremonies.

 

[Muhler]

Japanese bishops make stand on imperial ceremonies - ucanews.com

To be expected. It's hardly news when interest groups - of all sorts - use royal events to promote whatever agenda they have.

 

[Prisma]

Gov't approves plan to hold Emperor's abdication ceremony - The Mainichi

[...]

It approved an ordinance of one-off legislation for the emperor's retirement, which also enables the emperor and Empress Michiko to be treated in the same way as the new emperor and his family members in terms of living costs and security guards, among other things, even after abdication.

[...] the ordinance was necessary as there was no legal basis for the emperor's farewell event, which is expected to be conducted as a state occasion at the Imperial Palace.

[...]

On Feb. 20, a government panel preparing the rituals worked out the content of the abdication ceremony, during which Abe will convey gratitude to Emperor Akihito on behalf of the Japanese people, followed by his last remarks to the public.

A limited number of about 300 participants, including the premier and heads of both Diet chambers, are expected to attend the abdication ceremony.

[...]

The retired emperor will be eligible to take on matters of state temporarily when the emperor is overseas or ill, like any adult Imperial member. [NHK]

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will continue to receive 324 million yen per year for living expenses. [Mainichi]

Jiji reports Imperial princesses can attend the abdication ceremony. Their presence at the "Presentation of the Three Sacred Treasures" for Naruhito remains undecided.

 

[Muhler]

That sounds like a very sensible idea. Especially considering the low number of people who can step in as regents.

 

[Prisma]

The government is leaning towards NOT inviting Imperial princesses to the "Presentation of the Three Sacred Treasures" on May 1st. Why? Because there were no female royalty, not even the Empress, at the ceremony for Emperor Akihito. [Sankei]

Urg.

 

[Tatiana Maria]

The government is leaning towards NOT inviting Imperial princesses to the "Presentation of the Three Sacred Treasures" on May 1st. Why? Because there were no female royalty, not even the Empress, at the ceremony for Emperor Akihito. [Sankei]

Urg.

I'm unsurprised; the government has already spoken out against equality of the sexes in the imperial family.

The retired emperor will be eligible to take on matters of state temporarily when the emperor is overseas or ill, like any adult Imperial member. [NHK]

That sounds like a very sensible idea. Especially considering the low number of people who can step in as regents.

According to the The Imperial House Law,

Article 17. The Regency shall be assumed by a member of the Imperial Family of age according to the following order:
1. The Kotaishi , or Kotaison
2. A Shinno and an O
3. The Empress
4. The Empress Dowager
5. The Grand Empress Dowager
6. A Naishinno and a Jo-o
In the case of No. 2 in the preceding paragraph the order of succession to the Throne shall apply; and in the case of No. 6 in the same paragraph, the order of succession to the Throne shall apply mutatis mutandis.

ten people are eligible to assume the regency.

1. The Crown Prince
2. Prince Akishino
3. Prince Hitachi
4. The Empress
5. Princess Mako
6. Princess Kako
7. Princess Akiko
8. Princess Yohko
9. Princess Tsuguko
10. Princess Ayako

Did the special law pave the way for Akihito to assume the regency, or is he merely eligible to support the new Emperor like any other adult member of the imperial family?

 

[vkrish]

Will prince akishino be known as crown prince? After naruhito becomes emperor?

 

[Prisma]

[...]

Did the special law pave the way for Akihito to assume the regency, or is he merely eligible to support the new Emperor like any other adult member of the imperial family?

I didn't see anything about regency.

Will prince akishino be known as crown prince? After naruhito becomes emperor?

Yes, he will be given the title "Koshi" essentially crown prince. I expect he'll be called "Crown Prince Akishino" or "Crown Prince Fumihito" or simply the "Crown Prince of Japan" internationally.

ETA: In Japan, he'll probably be known as "Koshi-sama" similar to how Naruhito is currently known as "Kotashi-sama"

 

[Prisma]

English articles...

State does not plan to have female members of Imperial family attend key enthronement ceremony | The Japan Times

The government plans not to have female members of the Imperial Family attend Kenji to Shokei no gi, one of core ceremonies that will be used to mark Crown Prince Naruhito’s accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne after Emperor Akihito’s abdicates, sources said Saturday.

[...]

The ceremony is scheduled to be held on May 1 next year to hand down to the new emperor the Sacred Sword and Curved Jewels of the Imperial regalia, as well as the Privy Seal and the State Seal.

It has never been attended by women since the 1889 Imperial House code first stipulated that the succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne is limited to male offspring in the paternal line of the Imperial lineage.

[...]

37% of Japanese public wants to know name of next era by year's end: survey | The Japan Times

A recent survey shows 37.1 percent of the public believes the name of the era to be launched by Crown Prince Naruhito’s accession [...] should be announced by the end of this year.

In the survey, conducted by Jiji Press over four days through Monday, 32.9 percent said the best time would be after the start of 2019 but before Feb. 24, when the ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Emperor Akihito’s enthronement will be held. Another 19.5 percent supported making the announcement after the ceremony.

[...]

The government is considering releasing the era name after Feb. 24.

[...]

 

[Muhler]

https://politiken.dk/udland/art6397...s-premierminister-ud-på-den-politiske-mødding

The very national-conservative PM Shinzo Abe is in trouble!
He has been involved in a number of scandals as well as being sidelined foreign politically by USA in regards to North Korea - not to mention that he is very unpopular in Japan's neighboring countries!
As such he general standing combined with his party dropping significantly in the opinion polls suggests that he may not survive his party's general assembly in the autumn this year. - Even though he is a very skilled survivor, there are limits to how many lives a cat has...

How may that influence the abdication?
IMO there can be two ways:
A) The national-conservative government is too busy with political infighting and in establishing the authority of a very possible new leader, that the government prefer to have the whole abdication issue over and done with as soon as possible, preferably yesterday.
The abdication should run as smoothly as possibly - which means there is a good chance the court can negotiate a better deal than otherwise, simply because the government top is distracted.
B) The national conservative government see the abdication and proclaiming a new emperor as a most welcome distraction - that should be celebrated in as patriotic spirit as possible, with all the traditional national Japanese virtues going full throttle.

But many things also depends on who will take over, and what fractions will support the new PM.
A new PM needs to change course in order to get their voters back and hopefully attract more. And this is where the question of female succession may come in through the side door. Simply by appealing to women and especially young women as segment worth cultivating. - After all a considerable segment of the core voters of the national conservative government is dying out - literally. Even if man of them are very influential indeed, the Grim Reaper gets them eventually.

If Shinzo Abe continues it will be from a markedly weaker position.

 

[Prisma]

Japan to celebrate emperor's accession in rites, parade in Oct. 2019 - The Mainichi

[...]

The enthronement ceremony for the new emperor, now 58, is planned for Oct. 22, 2019 as a state occasion, after he succeeds to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1 that year, a day after Emperor Akihito steps down, according to a basic government plan on imperial succession rites.

[...]

Suga also said the Imperial Household Agency is considering holding "Daijosai," or Grand Thanksgiving rite, on Nov. 14-15, 2019. During the event -- the most important imperial ritual following his enthronement -- the new emperor will eat rice harvested in the year to appreciate the country's bounty of grain.

For Prince Akishino, the younger son of the 84-year-old emperor, the government has also decided to hold a ritual in 2020 to commemorate his promotion to "koshi," the title given to the first in line to the throne. But its exact timing has yet to be fixed.

[...]

Suga declined to elaborate on another contentious point of whether minor imperial family members, specifically the emperor's 11-year-old grandson Prince Hisahito, will join a series of events. It has been customary for minor members not to attend succession rites.

[...]

Foreign dignitaries and envoys are expected to attend the incoming emperor's enthronement ceremony, which is aimed at proclaiming the imperial succession at home and abroad, followed by a parade and a banquet.

On Oct. 23, 2019, the prime minister is set to host a dinner party in Tokyo to express Japan's gratitude for the foreign guests' attendance at the celebratory events.

[...]