Photo: Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. The enthronement ceremony and parade of Emperor Naruhito "could" be delayed. (Image via SINDOnews)

Emperor Naruhito's enthronement 'could' be postponed: sources

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Politics & Economic
News Flash Japan
Oct 17, 2019
1583
Due to Japan recovering after typhoon no. 19, dubbed as Typhoon Hagibis, the Japanese government is considering postponement of the successor of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, Emperor Naruhito. Emperor Naruhito succeeded the throne on 1 May, also marking the beginning of the Reiwa Era.

According to the information from a senior official of the Imperial Household Agency, initially, the enthronement parade and enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito were going to be held on 22 October. Should the weather be inclement, these occasions will be postponed to 26 October. However, the enthronement parade and ceremony would take a much later date than expected.

Typhoon Hagibis swept through central, eastern and northeastern regions of Japan last weekend, leaving 77 dead, and more than a dozen people missing. About 1,700 houses were devastated and 33,000 houses were inundated due to the flooding.

PREPARATION AND REHEARSAL

Last Sunday, a rehearsal was held to prepare for the enthronement parade. About 50 cars were arraying the parade with an orchestral performance by Japan’s Self-Defense Force.

Meanwhile, the convertible sedan, Toyota Century, that will be used by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako was not used in the rehearsal. Riding the Century, the Emperor and the Empress are going to

The enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito is a formal declaration from Japan that it has a new Emperor on the Chrysanthemum Throne. All the Diet members, prefectural governors, and other representatives are expected to attend.

THE PROCESSION

The enthronement ceremony (Sokuirei Seiden no Gi) will be held in the Imperial Palace’s “Matsu no Ma” (Hall of Pine), the most prestigious space in the Imperial Palace, at 1.00 pm JST. Emperor Naruhito, arrayed with the traditional robe and headdress, will proclaim his enthronement on the “Takamikura” pavilion.

Besides the emperor, the ancient sword, “magatama” jewel, and the holy mirror “Yata-no-Kagami” from the Ise Grand Shrine – the holiest Shinto site in Japan, forming three imperial regalias called Three Sacred Treasures, will be placed on a table.

After Naruhito’s pledge and enthronement, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, will give a congratulatory speech followed by three “banzai” cheers, closing the enthronement ceremony.

Following the ceremony, at 3.30 pm, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will ride a 4.6km journey on the open-top Toyota Century from the Imperial Palace to Akasaka Palace for 30 minutes.

More than 190 dignitaries and international organizations’ representatives are expected to attend. From the United States (U.S), Vice President Mike Pence, from China, Vice President Wang Qishan. While the bilateral relations between Japan and South Korea (S. Korea) are not in a good term, it was confirmed that the Prime Minister of S. Korea, Lee Nak-yeon, will be attending the ceremony.

While the format of the ceremony was the same as the enthronement of Emperor Emeritus Akihito in 1990, the upcoming ceremony is hailing more guests than in 1990. While Emperor Emeritus Akihito’s enthronement was attended by 160 eminent guests and heads of country, the upcoming ceremony will be attended by 190.

Source: https://bit.ly/2oFr12k

Politics , Enthronement , Asia , Japan , Emperor-Naruhito , Delay , Typhoon-Hagibis