People from 195 different countries will be invited to Japan for the enthronement ceremonies taking place in the autumn.
The Japanese government revealed their plans on Tuesday, 19 May saying that the autumn enthronement ceremonies, including banquets, for Crown Prince Naruhito as Emperor of Japan will feature citizens from up to 195 nations.
A senior government representative remarked, “The Foreign Ministry will study to which countries it will actually send invitations.”
Those invited with include heads of state, those of Japanese descent from countries which Japan has recognised as states, and most certainly, foreign royals. Presumably, the majority of royal families will send a representative to the activities.
The Taiirei Seiden no Gi abdication ceremony will take place at 5:00 pm local time on 30 April with around 300 guests in attendance including Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe and his cabinet. The Kenji to Shokei no Gi ceremony for the new Emperor will take place on 1 May at 10:30 am. At 11:10 am, the Sokuigo Choken no Gi ceremony will take place where Emperor Naruhito will meet representatives of the people for the first time in his new role.
The Prime Minister and his wife will host a banquet on 23 October where Japanese cultural performances will take place under the organisation of Kyogen actor Nomura Mansai – the supervisor of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies.
At a government meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Abe stated, “We will make thorough preparations so that we can observe our country’s historic turning point without any trouble.”
Emperor Akihito, 85, will abdicate next month on 30 April; Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, will ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne the following day on 1 May.
After his abdication, Emperor Akihito will be known as Emperor Emeritus and his wife, Empress Michiko, Empress Emerita. He will be the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in two centuries.
