As 2019 comes to a close, we taking a look back at the Japanese royal year that was dominated by the abdication of Emperor Akihito and enthronement of their new emperor, Naruhito.
January:
Emperor Akihito delivers final New Year’s address
Princess Mako’s fiancé says financial problems solved
February:
New titles for the Japanese Emperor and Empress are revealed for after abdication
March:
Emperor of Japan begins first rituals for abdication
Japan’s Prince Hisahito graduates from elementary school
[getty src=”1130584820″ width=”594″ height=”424″]Japan’s Princess Kako graduates from university and expresses wish that her sister be happy
April:
Japan announces Reiwa as era name for Crown Prince Naruhito’s reign
[getty src=”1134176199″ width=”594″ height=”396″]Prince Hisahito enters junior high aiming “to lead a fulfilling student life”
Knives found at Prince Hisahito’s school desk days before abdication
Emperor Akihito abdicates the Chrysanthemum Throne
May:
Emperor Naruhito delivers first speech as Emperor of Japan
Emperor Naruhito takes part in inheritance ceremony
Empress Masako conducts first official duties since Emperor’s enthronement
Emperor and Empress of Japan welcome President Trump as part of their first state visit
New Emperor of Japan hosts first state banquet of reign
June:
Empress Emerita Michiko undergoes cataract surgery
Marriage prospects unknown for Japan’s Princess Mako
July:
Emperor Emeritus Akihito suffers bout of cerebral anaemia due to fatigue
Japanese panel set to discuss possibility of females reigning in own right
August:
Former Princess Ayako expecting first child in autumn
[getty src=”1055462228″ width=”594″ height=”412″]Empress Emerita Michiko diagnosed with breast cancer
Young heirs of Bhutanese and Japanese thrones meet during latter’s first official foreign visit
September:
Empress Emerita Michiko to have breast cancer surgery on Sunday
Empress Emerita Michiko’s breast cancer completely removed
October:
Ritual enthronement ceremonies begin in rainy Tokyo
Enthronement Ceremony for Emperor Naruhito takes place
Emperor and Empress of Japan host tea for royal guests
November:
Emperor and Empress of Japan take part in Imperial Procession to mark enthronement
Emperor Naruhito spends the night with sun goddess as final part of enthronement ritual
Former Princess Ayako of Takamado gives birth to a boy
The Japanese Imperial family may be expanded by law
December:
Crown Prince of Japan urges his daughter to update Japanese people regarding her wedding
[getty src=”1153166173″ width=”594″ height=”391″]Empress Emerita Michiko in poor health
