Japan is all set for a new reign with Emperor Naruhito ascending the throne. His father, 85-year old Emperor Akihito abdicated the throne on April 30. Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchical house in the world set up way back in 660 BC.
The new Emperor, Naruhito is the 126th to sit on the Chrysanthemum throne. It marks the beginning of a new era called Reiwa (beautiful harmony) following the traditional calendar system, Akihito’s reign was called Heisei era (achieving peace).
In Japan the emperor continues to be the “symbol of the State and of the unity of the people.” He is supposed to be the highest authority of the Shinto religion.
The Japanese imperial genealogy recognizes 125 monarchs beginning with the legendary Emperor Jimmu (traditionally dated to 11 February 660 BC and continuing up to Emperor Akihito).
Other old monarchies of the world that go back several centuries, include Cambodia (68 A.D.), Sultanate of Oman (751 AD), Morocco (781 AD), Britain (871 AD), Norway (885 AD), Sweden (930 AD) and Denmark (970 AD).
Emperor Akihito is the first Japanese monarch to abdicate the throne in more than two centuries. The last one to abdicate was Emperor Kokaku in 1817.
Emperor Akihito took over from his father Emperor Hirohito, the longest reigning monarch in Japan’s history (63 years) after his death in January 7,1989. Emperor Hirohito is supposed to have led Japan to its humiliating defeat at the end of World War II as Japan became a partner of Germany and Italy as part of Axis powers against the Allied Forces and attacked areas of China and Southeast Asia.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were known to be the kind of royalty who were very close to the people and were there to give a healing touch to the sufferers in time of natural calamity or disaster.
They used to express profound regret during their travels at the atrocities committed by Japan during war times. One of Akihito’s great achievement he felt was “Japan has been free of war for the first time in modern history, supported by the strong desire of the people for peace.”
Emperor Akihito had expressed his desire to abdicate the throne three years ago as he had grown old and was not keeping good health. The formal legislative steps required for this were then taken by the Parliament.
The abdication ceremony of Emperor Akihito took place in the Pine Chamber of the Royal Palace in the presence of the sword and the jewel, two of the three Sacred treasures of Japan.
There are Three Sacred Treasures of Japan representing three virtues valour, wisdom and benevolence in the form of the sword Kusanagi, the mirror Yata no Kagami and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama.
The State seal and the Privy Seal both made of gold were also displayed there. The Privy Seal of Japan belonging to the Nara period (710-790 AD), which is the Emperor of Japan’s official seal is cubic and its inscription “The Emperor’s Imperial Seal” is written in seal script an ancient style of Chinese characters.
The entire abdication ceremony was broadcast live on national television. Empress Michiko, the new Emperor, Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako attended along with leaders of both houses of the Diet and the Supreme Court justices.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the abdication followed by Emperor Akihito’s final remarks as emperor.
An inheritance ceremony took place on Wednesday with the Chamberlains placing the seals, sword and jewel on desks in front of the new Emperor to acknowledge his succession.
The ceremony was observed by a small group that included adult male royalty and representatives of the three branches of the government, including Abe and his Cabinet. The ceremony is not open to female Imperial family members, but Satsuki Katayama, the only female minister in Abe’s Cabinet, became the first woman in modern history to attend.
Shortly afterwards, Emperor Naruhito made his first public remarks as emperor talking about his goals and aspirations.
The Japanese Prime Minister spoke as the representative of the Japanese people.
Emperor Naruhito’s wife Empress Masako and other members of the Imperial family were present, along with representatives from the three branches of the government.
On May 4, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will greet well-wishers gathered at the Imperial Palace six times during the day, making their first public appearance. Thousands of persons come to see their new King and Queen. More than 100,000 people had come to see Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko after Akihito took over the throne.
The formal coronation ceremony will take place on October 22, which will be attended by celebrities and dignitaries from many countries all over the world. The new Emperor is likely to be in a traditional robe and headdress on that day. He will sit on the Chrysanthemum throne for a little while and then stand up to announce to the world that he has become the Emperor of Japan.
The Imperial Couple will ride in an open-top limousine through central Tokyo.
On November 14-15, the Emperor will offer newly harvested rice and sake to Imperial ancestors and deities and pray for bumper crops and national peace in a religious function known as (Daijokyu no Gi or great thanksgiving ceremony)
Interestingly, next in line for the Japanese throne is not Crown Prince Naruhito’s daughter Aiko but Naruhito’s brother, Akishino’ son, nine-year old Hisahito.
This is because in conservative Japan, the throne will always belong to male heir so if an emperor has no male offspring, then a successor is to be found among his brothers and their children and grand children.
Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Crown Princess Masako, being both university-educated, multilingual and with years of experience living overseas are likely to give completely modern and cosmopolitan character to the Japanese royalty.
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