Japan

Emperor of Japan begins first rituals for abdication

Emperor Akihito of Japan, 85, has begun a series of rituals leading up to his abdication at the end of next month. The first of these ceremonies took place on Tuesday, 12 March at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo at the three imperial sanctuaries. The retiring Emperor wore an ancient court costume for his visits to Kashikodokoro, Koreiden and Shinden. At the first shrine, he bowed and read an…
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Japan

Imperial Succession plan lined up by Japanese government

The committee within the Japanese government responsible for arranging the transfer of the Chrysanthemum Throne from Emperor Akihito to Crown Prince Naruhito. There will be three elements to the process, with the Emperor stepping down on the 30th April, handing over sacred…
International royalsJapan

Record number of people turn out to hear Emperor of Japan’s last New Year message before abdicating

Continuing the tradition which began on 1 January 1948, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress opened the gates of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo this week to receive New Year greetings from the people of Japan. This year’s crowd was record-breaking with 154,800 citizens turning out to see Emperor Akihito and his family for his last New Year Greeting before his abdication. 2018 previously held…
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Japan

Emperor of Japan delivers final New Year's address

Emperor Akihito of Japan has delivered his final New Year’s address from the Chrysanthemum Throne in Tokyo today. The Emperor is due to abdicate in favour of his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito on 30 May. Naruhito will ascend the throne the following day on 1…
International royalsJapan

Japan’s government to delay discussion on creating female Imperial branches

The Japanese government is holding off on deciding whether or not to allow female members of the Imperial Family to establish their own branches of the family after marriage, according to sources. They will delay discussions on the matter at least under after Crown Prince Naruhito’s accession to the throne on the 1st of May next year. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the Diet last week that…
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Japan

Emperor Akihito back to work following illness

Emperor Akihito of Japan resumed his official duties on Thursday, 5th July, after three days of treatment for insufficient blood supply to the brain according to a palace spokesperson. The 84-year-old had cancelled engagements from Monday 2nd July after the palace doctor…
International royalsJapan

Emperor Akihito cancels duties due to diagnosis of cerebral anaemia

Japanese Emperor Akihito has cancelled his public duties after he was diagnosed with dizziness and cerebral anaemia, the Imperial Household Agency announced today. Cerebral anaemia is a condition which causes insufficient blood flow to the brain. Earlier this morning, the Emperor felt sick and experienced hot flashes, prompting the Empress to contact a palace doctor. He has not been admitted to…
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