Close ￬
Japan's Emperor Naruhito arrives at the Imperial Palace on the day he is formally enthroned, in Tokyo, Japan October 22, 2019. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun


Naruhito, 59, and Empress Masako, a 55-year-old Harvard-educated former diplomat, took over in May in a brief, tradition-filled ceremony, but Tuesday’s “Sokui no Rei” is a more elaborate ritual in which he officially announces his change in status to the world.



Japan's Empress Masako arrives at the Imperial Palace on the day Emperor Naruhito is formally enthroned, in Tokyo, Japan October 22, 2019. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)




For the main ceremony, Naruhito will wear a traditional robe and headdress, as his father did nearly three decades ago. It will start at 1.00pm (0400 GMT) at the Imperial Palace’s Matsu no ma, or Hall of Pine, the most prestigious space in the palace where he officially succeeded his father “with a sense of solemnity” on May 1.

He will declare his enthronement from the “Takamikura” - a 6.5 metre high pavilion that weighs about 8 tonnes - with an ancient sword and a jewel, two of the so-called Three Sacred Treasures, placed beside him.



(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 4, 2019 well-wishers wave Japanese flags as Japan's Emperor Naruhito (centre L) and Empress Masako (centre R) make their first public appearance after ascending to the throne along with other members of the royal family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. - When it comes to Japan's royal family, anti-monarchy sentiment is almost non-existent. But government funding for two highly symbolic imperial rituals this year has sparked rare dissent. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP)

Emperor Akihito pledged during the previous ceremony in 1990 to observe Japan’s pacifist constitution and fulfill his duty as a symbol of the state and of the unity of the people. Naruhito promised to follow his father’s path before assuming the position and observers have noted he has so far made only small changes.


Among the expected guests are Britain’s Prince Charles, who with then-wife Princess Diana attended Akihito’s enthronement, as well as US Transport Secretary Elaine Chao. Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi is also expected to take part.


The celebratory parade has been postponed until Nov 10 while the government devotes its attention to coping with the aftermath of the typhoon. - Reuters

Close ￬