2019 Japanese imperial transition

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Ceremony of the Abdication from the Throne.jpg

History of Japan
Mt.Fuji & Tokyo SkyTree (6906783193)b.jpg

After 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne, Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated on 30 April 2019,[1] being the first Japanese emperor to do so since 1817; this marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era, and will precipitate numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his son and successor, Emperor Naruhito.[2] The Enthronement Ceremony will likely happen on 22 October 2019.[3] Akihito's younger son, Prince Akishino, is his brother's crown prince and heir presumptive.

Emperor and Constitution[edit]

Background[edit]

In 2010, Emperor Akihito informed his advisory council that he would eventually like to retire from his position. However, no action was taken by senior members of the Imperial Household Agency.[4]

On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster NHK reported that the Emperor wished to abdicate in favor of his elder son Crown Prince Naruhito within a few years.[5]

Senior officials within the Imperial Household Agency denied that there was any official plan for the monarch to abdicate. A potential abdication by the Emperor would require an amendment to the Imperial Household Law, which has no provisions for such a move.[6][7]

National speech[edit]

On 8 August 2016, the Emperor gave a rare televised address, where he emphasized his advanced age and declining health;[8] this address was interpreted as an implication of his intention to abdicate.[9][10]

Legislation[edit]

With the intention of the abdication now known, the Cabinet Office appointed Yasuhiko Nishimura as the Imperial Household Agency's Vice Grand Steward. In October 2016, the Cabinet Office appointed a panel of experts to debate the Emperor's abdication.[11]

In January 2017, the Lower House Budget committee began informally debating the constitutional nature of the abdication.[4]

On 19 May 2017, the bill that would allow Akihito to abdicate was issued by the Japanese government's cabinet. On 8 June 2017, the National Diet passed a one-off bill allowing Akihito to abdicate, and for the government to begin arranging the process of handing over the position to Crown Prince Naruhito;[12] the abdication officially occurred on 30 April 2019.[13][14]

He received the title of Jōkō (上皇, Emperor Emeritus), an abbreviation of Daijō Tennō (太上天皇), upon abdicating, and his wife, the Empress, became Jōkōgō (上皇后, Empress Emerita).[15]

Imperial Household Council[edit]

On 1 December 2017, the Imperial Household Council, which had not met in 24 years, did so in order to schedule the ceremonies involved in the first such transfer of power in two centuries.[16][17]

The Imperial Household Council consists of the Prime Minister, the Speaker and Vice-Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President and Vice-President of the House of Councillors, the Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Agency, the Chief Justice and one justice of the Supreme Court, and two members of the Imperial Family. Prince Akishino, the Emperor's younger son, has been asked to recuse himself as he would become the next crown prince, he was replaced by Prince Hitachi, the Emperor's 82-year-old younger brother, the other one is Hitachi's wife, Princess Hanako.[18]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the date was chosen to permit the old Emperor to be able to preside over a 30th anniversary Jubilee and to coincide with the Golden Week annual holiday period, turning the changeover from a period of mourning and makeshift ceremonial into a joyous, well-planned festival.[19]

Finally, on 8 December 2017, the government created a special committee to oversee the events. According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga: "It will deal with the matter properly, taking into consideration the possible impact on the people's lives."[20]

Preparations for the imperial transition, 2017–2019[edit]

The committee met for the first time in January 2018, and the following month announced that a plan called a "basic policy statement," was released on April 3.[21] Official farewell celebrations began with a 30th Jubilee ceremony on February 12, 2019, a delay which would avoid any implication of a celebration of the death of the Emperor Shōwa on January 7.[22]

Golden Week, 2019[edit]

The government consolidated the Golden Week into a special ten-day holiday block lasting from April 27 to May 6. Even without the imperial transition, April 29 and May 3–6 were scheduled as national holidays in 2019, following the weekend of April 27–28. To mark the imperial transition, the government determined that abdication and enthronement would both be national holidays. Japanese law states that a regular work day sandwiched between two national holidays becomes a public holiday.[23]

Calendars[edit]

Further information: Japanese era name and Reiwa
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press.

Since the Meiji Restoration in 1867, a new Japanese Era starts the day after the old Emperor dies. However, in Emperor Akihito's case, manufacturers of calendars, forms, and other paper products need to know the new Era's name in advance to produce wares in a timely manner.[24][25][10]

While the Era names for the Shōwa and Heisei eras were kept state secrets until the deaths of the previous Emperors, that was not possible in this case, because an abdication is unprecedented since the 1885 Meiji Constitution was adopted. In order to prevent divisive debate on the subject, delaying the announcement as late as is practically possible, either the old Emperor's birthday or his Jubilee celebrations had been suggested.[26]

Until the Era name became known, computers and software manufacturers needed to test their systems before the transition in order to ensure that the new era will be handled correctly by their software; some systems provide test mechanisms to simulate a new era ahead of time.[27]

The new Era name, Reiwa (令和), was revealed on 1 April 2019 by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga during a televised press conference.[28]

Enthronement Ceremony[edit]

The Enthronement Ceremony for Emperor Naruhito is scheduled to take place on 22 October 2019, marking the end of the transition period, it is to be an extra holiday.[29]

Timeline[edit]

Heisei Era

2010[edit]

Emperor Akihito informs his advisory council that he would like to eventually retire and to help him arrange it.

2016[edit]

  • July: Emperor Akihito leaks to the press his wishes to retire.
  • July 13: NHK reports his wishes to the public.
  • August 8: The Emperor makes address to the public on television and radio implying the above wish.[30]
  • September: Prime Minister Shinzō Abe appoints a committee to investigate the legal ramifications of a possible abdication.

2017[edit]

  • January 12: Public debate on abdication in the House of Representatives Budget committee.
  • May 11: A report of a joint committee of the National Diet recommends a one-off bill to facilitate the first imperial abdication in two centuries.
  • May 19: The Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe introduces the abdication bill.[31]
  • June 2: The abdication bill passes the House of Representatives (Lower House).[32]
  • June 9: The abdication bill passes the House of Councillors (Upper House).[32]
  • November: The Cabinet suggests that 30 April 2019 will be a good date.
  • December 1: The Imperial Household Council, which has not met in a quarter century, does so and approves the date suggested.[33][34]
  • December 8: The Cabinet approves the date, authorizing the creation of an "imperial transition committee" to oversee the ceremonies involved, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as Chairman.[35]

2018[edit]

  • January: The committee meets for the first time.
  • February 20: Preliminary paper on official ceremonials issued stating that the abdication will be a state occasion.[35]
  • April 3: White Paper on official ceremonials is issued by the committee.[21]
  • December 23: The final celebration of the Emperor Akihito's birthday as Emperor.

2019[edit]

  • January 8: 30th Anniversary Jubilee begins with commemoration ceremonies for the Emperor Shōwa.[36] Start of official farewell celebrations for Emperor Akihito.
  • February 14: A survey was listed out for suggestions about Naruhito's era name.[37]
  • February 24: Jubilee celebrations at the National Theater.[22][38]
  • February 25: The Imperial Household Agency announces that Akihito and Michiko's English titles upon abdication will be His Imperial Majesty The Emperor Emeritus and Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Emerita, respectively.[39]
  • March 12: Traditional private abdication ceremonies and rituals began with the Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi ceremony.
    • Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi (賢所に退位及びその期日奉告の儀) in which Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace.[40]
    • Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi (皇霊殿神殿に退位及びその期日奉告の儀) in which Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively.
    • Jingū-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi (神宮神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に勅使発遣の儀) in which Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine, the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors to report Emperor Akihito's abdication.
  • March 15: Traditional private abdication rituals.
    • Jingū-ni-Hohei-no-gi (神宮に奉幣の儀) Imperial messengers and priests made offerings and reported Emperor Akihito's abdication at the Ise Grand Shrine.
    • Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Hōhei-no-gi (神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に奉幣の儀) Imperial messengers and priests reported Emperor Akihito's abdication to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors.
  • March 26: Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi (神武天皇山陵に親謁の儀) The Emperor and Empress paid respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture.[40]
  • April 1: The new Era name is approved by the Cabinet, and is officially announced to the public by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as Reiwa (令和).[41]
  • April 18: Jingū-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi (神宮に親謁の儀) The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture.[40]
  • April 21: Local elections happen in Japan.[42]
  • April 23: Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi (昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀) The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, Emperor Shōwa, at the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo.[40]
  • April 27: Extra Holiday: Start of Golden Week holiday season.[43]
  • April 28: Extra Holiday
  • April 29: Shōwa Day
  • April 30: Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi (退位礼正殿の儀) Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time during a relatively brief ceremony in the Pine Hall (Matsu-no-Ma); the ceremony also featured two of the Three Sacred Treasures, and the Privy Seal and State Seal. Akihito becomes the first Jōkō since 1840. Heisei era comes to an end.[44]
Reiwa Era
  • May 1: Beginning of the Reiwa era and accession date of Emperor Naruhito.
    • Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi (剣璽等承継の儀) Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, as well as the Privy Seal and State Seal. This ceremony also takes place in the Hall of Pines.[45][46][47]
    • Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi (即位後朝見の儀) in which Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people.
  • May 2: Extra Holiday
  • May 3: Constitution Memorial Day
  • May 4: Greenery Day
  • May 5: Children's Day
  • May 6: Extra Holiday: End of Golden Week Celebrations.
  • October 22: Enthronement Ceremony.
    • Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi (即位礼正殿の儀) in which Emperor Naruhito proclaims the enthronement and receives felicitations from representatives of the people from at home and abroad.
    • Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi (祝賀御列の儀) Procession to show and receive good wishes from the people by motor car.
  • October 22, 25, 29, 31: Kyōen-no-gi (饗宴の儀) Court banquets to celebrate the enthronement and receive congratulations from guests.
  • November 14–15: Daijōsai (大嘗祭)[48]

2020[edit]

  • February 23: The first celebration of Naruhito's birthday as Emperor.
  • April 19: Prince Akishino will be promoted to Kōshi (a rank equivalent to Crown Prince).

Ceremonies[edit]

The following table lists abdication and enthronement ceremonies in chronological order. Private ceremonies are listed as "Private". State acts are listed as "Public".[49][50]

Date Ceremony Native Name Description Type Location
2019
March 12 Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 賢所に退位及びその期日奉告の儀 Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 皇霊殿神殿に退位及びその期日奉告の儀 Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Jingū-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi 神宮神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に勅使発遣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine, the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors to report Emperor Akihito's abdication. Private Imperial Residence, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
March 15 Jingū-ni-Hohei-no-gi 神宮に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests make offerings and report Emperor Akihito's abdication at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests report Emperor Akihito's abdication to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors. Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
(Emperor Jimmu)

Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Shōwa)
Tama no Misasagi (多摩陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Taishō)
Fushimi Momoyama no Misasagi (伏見桃山陵), Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Meiji)
Nochi no tsuki no wa no misasagi (後月輪東山陵), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Kōmei)

March 26 Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 神武天皇山陵に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture. Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
April 18 Jingū-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 神宮に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
April 23 Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, Emperor Shōwa, at the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo. Private Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
April 30 Taiirei-Tōjitsu-Kashikodokoro-Ōmae-no-gi 退位礼当日賢所大前の儀 Emperor Akihito reports the conduct of his abdication to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Taiirei-Tōjitsu-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 退位礼当日皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Emperor Akihito reports the conduct of his abdication to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi 退位礼正殿の儀 Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne at the Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma room (正殿松の間, "State Hall") and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time. Public Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (正殿松の間), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
May 1 Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi 剣璽等承継の儀 Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, as well as the Privy Seal, and the State Seal at the Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma room (正殿松の間, "State Hall"). Public Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (正殿松の間), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi 即位後朝見の儀 Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people. Public Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (正殿松の間), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kashikodokoro-no-gi 賢所の儀 (May 1 – May 3) Rituals by proxy to report to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace that the accession to the throne has taken place. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Rituals by proxies to report to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively that the accession to the throne has taken place. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
May 4 (rescheduled from October 26)[51] Gosokui-Ippan-Sanga 御即位一般参賀 Event for Emperor Naruhito to receive congratulations from the general public after the accession to the throne has taken place. Public Chōwaden Reception Hall, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
May 8 Kashikodokoro-ni-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 賢所に期日奉告の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 皇霊殿神殿に期日奉告の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den respectively. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Jingū-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi 皇霊殿神殿に期日奉告の儀 Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine, the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent late Emperors to report the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Imperial Residence, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
May 10 Jingū-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 神宮に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests make offerings and report the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 神武天皇山陵及び昭和天 皇以前四代の天皇山陵に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests report the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent late Emperors. Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
(Emperor Jimmu)

Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Shōwa)
Tama no Misasagi (多摩陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Taishō)
Fushimi Momoyama no Misasagi (伏見桃山陵), Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Meiji)
Nochi no tsuki no wa no misasagi (後月輪東山陵), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Kōmei)

May 13 Saiden-Tentei-no-gi 斎田点定の儀 Ceremony to select one Prefecture each from both the Yuki (悠紀, "East Region", traditionally East of Kyoto) and the Suki (主基, "Western Region", traditionally West of Kyoto) regions, where the rice from the Saiden (斎田, "rice field") to be used for the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is designated. Private Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
July 26 Daijōkyū-Jichinsai 大嘗宮地鎮祭 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the land where the temporary Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) for the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) will be built. Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Day before harvest Saiden-Nukiho-zen-Ichinichi-Ōharai 斎田抜穂前一日大祓 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the souls of the Imperial envoys and those who harvest the rice held the day before harvest. Private TBD
Autumn Saiden-Nukiho-no-gi 斎田抜穂の儀 Ceremony to harvest the rice at the two Saiden (斎田). Private Saiden (斎田)
TBD Yuki-Suki-Ryō-Chihō-Shinkoku-Kyōno 悠紀主基両地方新穀供納 Ceremony to deliver the harvested rice from Saiden (斎田) at the Yuki (悠紀) and the Suki (主基) regions. Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
October 22 Sokuirei-Tōjitsu-Kashikodokoro-Ōmae-no-gi 即位礼当日賢所大前の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the conduct of the Enthronement Ceremony to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-Tōjitsu-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 即位礼当日皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the conduct of the Enthronement Ceremony to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den respectively. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi 即位礼正殿の儀 Emperor Naruhito proclaims his enthronement and receives felicitations from representatives of the people from at home and abroad at the Seiden (正殿, "State Hall"). Public Seiden (正殿), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi 祝賀御列の儀 Procession to show and receive good wishes from the people by motor car. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo, to Akasaka Imperial Grounds (赤坂御用地), Moto-Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
Kyōen-no-gi 饗宴の儀 (October 22, 25, 29, 31) Court banquets to celebrate the enthronement and receive congratulations from guests. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
October 23 Naikaku-Sōridaijin-Fusai-Shusai-Bansankai 内閣総理大臣夫妻主催晩餐会 State banquet for foreign heads of state, royals, heads of government, representatives and government officials. Public Hotel New Otani, Kioi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
November 8 Jingū-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi 神宮に勅使発遣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine to make offerings and report that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) will be taking place. Private Imperial Residence, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
November 12 Daijōsai-zen-Futsuka-Gokei 大嘗祭前二日御禊 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the souls of the Emperor and Empress held two days before the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōsai-zen-Futsuka-Ōharai 大嘗祭前二日大祓 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the souls of the members of the Imperial Family and those concerned held two days before the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
November 13 Daijōsai-zen-Ichinichi-Chinkon-no-gi 大嘗祭前一日鎮魂の儀 Ceremony to pray for the peace and safety of the Emperor and those concerned so that all the ceremonies related to the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) will be carried out smoothly and safely held one day before the said ceremony. Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōsai-zen-Ichinichi-Daijōkyū-Chinsai 大嘗祭前一日大嘗宮鎮祭 Ceremony to pray for the peace of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) held one day before the said ceremony. Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
November 14 Daijōsai-Tōjitsu-Jingū-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 大嘗祭当日神宮に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests make offerings and report that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is taking place at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Daijōsai-Tōjitsu-Kashikodokoro-Omike-Kyōshin-no-gi 大嘗祭当日賢所大御饌供進の儀 Rituals by proxy to report to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is to take place and to make divine oblation. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōsai-Tōjitsu-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 大嘗祭当日皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Rituals by proxy to report to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is to take place. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōkyū-no-gi (Yukiden-Kyōsen-no-gi, Sukiden-Kyōsen-no-gi) 大嘗宮の儀　（悠紀殿供饌の儀・主基殿供饌の儀） The Emperor makes an offering of the rice, the sake made from this rice, millet, fish and a variety of other foods to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami and to the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at both the Yuki (悠紀) halls (November 14) and the Suki (主基) halls (November 15) of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) and partakes of it himself, giving thanks and praying for peace and abundant harvests for the country and for the Japanese people. Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
November 16 Daijōsai-go-Ichinichi-Daijōkyū-Chinsai 大嘗祭後一日大嘗宮鎮祭 Ceremony to express appreciation for the peace of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) held on the day following the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daikyō-no-gi 大饗の儀 (November 16, 18) Imperial feasts in which the Emperor offers white sake, black sake and a relish to those present and all partake together. Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
TBD Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Jingū-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後神宮に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
After the visit to Ise Grand Shrine Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後神宮に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent late Emperors after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
(Emperor Jimmu)

Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Shōwa)
Tama no Misasagi (多摩陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Taishō)
Fushimi Momoyama no Misasagi (伏見桃山陵), Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Meiji)
Nochi no tsuki no wa no misasagi (後月輪東山陵), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Kōmei)

On a visit to Kyoto Chakai 茶会 Reception held during the Emperor's visit to Kyoto for representatives of various circles in the Kinki area which has close ties with the Imperial Family since ancient times held after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyōtogyoen, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto
Later Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Kashikodokoro-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後賢所に親謁の儀 The Emperor pays respects to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後皇霊殿神殿に親謁の儀 The Emperor pays respects to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den respectively after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Kashikodokoro-Mikagura-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後賢所御神楽の儀 Ceremonial performance of Mi-kagura (ritual music and dance) after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
After removal Daijōsai-go-Daijōkyū-Jichinsai 大嘗祭後大嘗宮地鎮祭 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the land of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) after they have been dismantled. Private East Gardens of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
2020
April 19 Rikkōshi-Senmei-no-gi 立皇嗣宣明の儀 Ceremony to proclaim Prince Akishino as Kōshi (皇嗣) (a rank equivalent to Crown Prince) and receives felicitations from representatives of the people from at home and abroad at the Imperial Palace. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Chōken-no-gi 朝見の儀 Ceremony for the Emperor and Empress to meet the Crown Prince for the first time after the proclamation ceremony. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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