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The '''2019 Japanese imperial transition''' occurred on 30 April 2019 when the then 85-year-old [[Akihito|Emperor Akihito]] of [[Japan]] abdicated from the [[Chrysanthemum Throne]] after reigning for 30 years,<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan's emperor thanks country, prays for peace before abdication |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-emperor-thanks-country-prays-for-peace-before-abdication |website=Nikkei Asian Review |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430112220/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-emperor-thanks-country-prays-for-peace-before-abdication |archive-date=30 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> becoming the first [[Emperor of Japan]] to do so since 1817. This marked the end of the [[Heisei]] era and the inception of the [[Reiwa]] era, and saw numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his son and successor, Emperor [[Naruhito]].<ref>Jiji, Kyodo, [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/politics-diplomacy/emperor-akihitos-abdication-may-push-back-timing-constitutional-reform/#.Wik59oUz23U "Emperor Akihito's abdication may push back timing of constitutional reform"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807155802/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/politics-diplomacy/emperor-akihitos-abdication-may-push-back-timing-constitutional-reform/#.Wik59oUz23U |date=7 August 2018 }} ''[[Japan Times]]'', 5 January 2017.</ref> The [[Enthronement of the Japanese emperor|Enthronement Ceremony]] took place on 22 October 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Enthronement-ceremony-for-Japan-s-next-emperor-seen-in-fall-2019|title=Enthronement ceremony for Japan's next emperor seen in fall 2019- Nikkei Asian Review|website=Asia.nikkei.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223001650/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Enthronement-ceremony-for-Japan-s-next-emperor-seen-in-fall-2019|archive-date=23 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Akihito's younger son, [[Fumihito, Prince Akishino|Prince Akishino]], is his brother's [[heir presumptive]]. The ceremony cost 16.6 billion Yen.<ref name="nippon.com 2019">{{cite web | title=Japan to Spend Record ¥16.6 Billion on Coronation of New Emperor | website=nippon.com | date=25 April 2019 | url=https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/c06107/japan-to-spend-record-¥16-6-billion-on-coronation-of-new-emperor.html | access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref>
The '''2019 Japanese imperial transition''' occurred on 30 April 2019 when the then 85-year-old [[Akihito|Emperor Akihito]] of [[Japan]] [[Abdication|abdicated]] from the [[Chrysanthemum Throne]] after reigning for 30 years,<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan's emperor thanks country, prays for peace before abdication |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-emperor-thanks-country-prays-for-peace-before-abdication |website=Nikkei Asian Review |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430112220/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-emperor-thanks-country-prays-for-peace-before-abdication |archive-date=30 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> becoming the first [[Emperor of Japan]] to do so since [[Emperor Kōkaku]] in 1817. This marked the end of the [[Heisei era]] and the inception of the [[Reiwa era]], and saw numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his eldest son and successor, Emperor [[Naruhito]].<ref>Jiji, Kyodo, [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/politics-diplomacy/emperor-akihitos-abdication-may-push-back-timing-constitutional-reform/#.Wik59oUz23U "Emperor Akihito's abdication may push back timing of constitutional reform"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807155802/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/politics-diplomacy/emperor-akihitos-abdication-may-push-back-timing-constitutional-reform/#.Wik59oUz23U |date=7 August 2018 }} ''[[The Japan Times]]'', 5 January 2017.</ref> The [[Enthronement of the Japanese emperor|Enthronement Ceremony]] took place on 22 October 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Enthronement-ceremony-for-Japan-s-next-emperor-seen-in-fall-2019|title=Enthronement ceremony for Japan's next emperor seen in fall 2019- Nikkei Asian Review|website=Asia.nikkei.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223001650/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Enthronement-ceremony-for-Japan-s-next-emperor-seen-in-fall-2019|archive-date=23 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Akihito's younger son, [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|Prince Akishino]], is his brother's [[heir presumptive]]. The ceremony cost 16.6 billion Yen.<ref name="nippon.com 2019">{{cite web | title=Japan to Spend Record ¥16.6 Billion on Coronation of New Emperor | website=nippon.com | date=25 April 2019 | url=https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/c06107/japan-to-spend-record-¥16-6-billion-on-coronation-of-new-emperor.html | access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref>


== Emperor and Constitution ==
== Emperor and Constitution ==
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In 2010, Emperor Akihito informed his advisory council that he would eventually like to retire from his position. However, no action was taken by senior members of the [[Imperial Household Agency]].<ref name="japan-forward.com">{{cite web|url=http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|title=Do Not Let the Emperor's Abdication Be an Occasion for Cynical Political Gain – JAPAN Forward|date=11 May 2017|website=Japan-forward.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224094226/http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|archive-date=24 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2010, Emperor Akihito informed his advisory council that he would eventually like to retire from his position. However, no action was taken by senior members of the [[Imperial Household Agency]].<ref name="japan-forward.com">{{cite web|url=http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|title=Do Not Let the Emperor's Abdication Be an Occasion for Cynical Political Gain – JAPAN Forward|date=11 May 2017|website=Japan-forward.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224094226/http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|archive-date=24 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster [[NHK]] reported that the Emperor wished to [[Abdication|abdicate]] in favour of his elder son Crown Prince [[Naruhito]] within a few years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/|title=Japan's ailing 82-year-old emperor considers stepping down|website=USA TODAY|language=en|access-date=2019-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428071213/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/|archive-date=28 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster [[NHK]] reported that the Emperor wished to [[Abdication|abdicate]] in favour of his eldest son, Crown Prince [[Naruhito]] within a few years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/|title=Japan's ailing 82-year-old emperor considers stepping down|website=USA TODAY|language=en|access-date=2019-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428071213/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/|archive-date=28 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


Senior officials within the [[Imperial Household Agency]] denied that there was any official plan for the monarch to abdicate. A potential abdication by the Emperor would require an amendment to the [[Imperial Household Law]], which has no provisions for such a move.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |title=天皇陛下 「生前退位」の意向示される ("His Majesty The Emperor Indicates His Intention to 'Abdicate'") |publisher=NHK |language=ja |date=13 July 2016 |access-date=13 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713100512/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |archive-date=13 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|title=Japanese Emperor Akihito 'wishes to abdicate'|work=BBC News|date=13 July 2016|access-date=17 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410170615/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|archive-date=10 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
Senior officials within the [[Imperial Household Agency]] denied that there was any official plan for the monarch to abdicate. A potential abdication by the Emperor would require an amendment to the [[Imperial Household Law]], which has no provisions for such a move.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |title=天皇陛下 「生前退位」の意向示される ("His Majesty The Emperor Indicates His Intention to 'Abdicate'") |publisher=NHK |language=ja |date=13 July 2016 |access-date=13 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713100512/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |archive-date=13 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|title=Japanese Emperor Akihito 'wishes to abdicate'|work=BBC News|date=13 July 2016|access-date=17 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410170615/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|archive-date=10 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
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In January 2017, the Lower House Budget committee began informally debating the constitutional nature of the abdication.<ref name="japan-forward.com" />
In January 2017, the Lower House Budget committee began informally debating the constitutional nature of the abdication.<ref name="japan-forward.com" />


On 19 May 2017, the bill that would allow Akihito to abdicate was issued by the [[Cabinet of Japan]]. On 8 June 2017, the [[National Diet]] passed it into law, permitting the government to begin arranging the process of handing over the position to [[Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan|Crown Prince Naruhito]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40168983 |title=Japan passes landmark bill for Emperor Akihito to abdicate |work=BBC News |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428095632/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40168983 |archive-date=28 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> This meant the [[Imperial Household Law]] was changed for the first time since 1949. The abdication officially occurred on 30 April 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703|title=Japan's Emperor Akihito abdicates|work=BBC News|date=30 April 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501003243/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/01/national/emperors-abdication-date-confirmed-april-30-2019/|title=Japan sets date for Emperor Akihito's abdication as April 30, 2019|first=Tomohiro|last=Osaki|date=1 December 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111194457/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/01/national/emperors-abdication-date-confirmed-april-30-2019/|archive-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 19 May 2017, the bill that would allow Akihito to abdicate was issued by the [[Cabinet of Japan]]. On 8 June 2017, the [[National Diet]] passed it into law, permitting the government to begin arranging the process of handing over the position to [[Naruhito|Crown Prince Naruhito]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40168983 |title=Japan passes landmark bill for Emperor Akihito to abdicate |work=BBC News |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428095632/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40168983 |archive-date=28 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> This meant the [[Imperial Household Law]] was changed for the first time since 1949. The abdication officially occurred on 30 April 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703|title=Japan's Emperor Akihito abdicates|work=BBC News|date=30 April 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501003243/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/01/national/emperors-abdication-date-confirmed-april-30-2019/|title=Japan sets date for Emperor Akihito's abdication as April 30, 2019|first=Tomohiro|last=Osaki|date=1 December 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111194457/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/01/national/emperors-abdication-date-confirmed-april-30-2019/|archive-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


He received the title of {{Nihongo|Jōkō|上皇|extra=Emperor Emeritus}}, an abbreviation of {{Nihongo|[[Daijō Tennō]]|太上天皇}}, upon abdicating, and his wife, the Empress, became {{Nihongo|Jōkōgō|上皇后|extra=Empress Emerita}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774# |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208190111/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774# |archive-date=8 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
He received the title of {{Nihongo|Jōkō|上皇|extra=Emperor Emeritus}}, an abbreviation of {{Nihongo|[[Daijō Tennō]]|太上天皇}}, upon abdicating, and his wife, the Empress, became {{Nihongo|Jōkōgō|上皇后|extra=Empress Emerita}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774 |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208190111/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774 |archive-date=8 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Imperial Household Council ==
== Imperial Household Council ==
On 1 December 2017, the [[Imperial Household Council]], which had not met in 24 years, did so in order to schedule the ceremonies involved in the first such transfer of power in two centuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|title=April 30 most likely date for Emperor Akihito's abdication: government sources|date=22 November 2017|newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009212730/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japantoday">{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|title=Gov't to hold meeting Dec 1 to discuss emperor's abdication date|website=Japan Today|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234535/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|archive-date=21 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 1 December 2017, the [[Imperial Household Council]], which had not met in 24 years, did so in order to schedule the ceremonies involved in the first such transfer of power in two centuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|title=April 30 most likely date for Emperor Akihito's abdication: government sources|date=22 November 2017|newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009212730/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japantoday">{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|title=Gov't to hold meeting Dec 1 to discuss emperor's abdication date|website=Japan Today|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234535/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|archive-date=21 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


The Imperial Household Council consists of the [[Prime Minister of Japan|prime minister]], the [[List of Speakers of the House of Representatives of Japan|speaker and vice-speaker]] of the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]], the [[List of Speakers of the House of Councillors (Japan)|president and vice-president]] of the [[House of Councillors (Japan)|House of Councillors]], the [[grand steward]] of the [[Imperial Household Agency]], the [[Chief Justice of Japan|chief justice]] and one justice of the [[Supreme Court of Japan|Supreme Court]], and two members of the [[Imperial House of Japan|Imperial family]]. [[Prince Akishino]], the Emperor's younger son, asked to [[Judicial disqualification|recuse]] himself as he would become the next Crown Prince. He was replaced by [[Prince Hitachi]], the Emperor's 82-year-old younger brother. The other member of the imperial family was Hitachi's wife, [[Princess Hanako]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171201/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c|title=Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019|date=2017-12-01|work=Mainichi Daily News|access-date=2019-05-04|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504194854/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171201/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c|archive-date=4 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Imperial Household Council consists of the [[Prime Minister of Japan|prime minister]], the [[Speaker of the House of Representatives (Japan)|speaker and vice-speaker]] of the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]], the [[President of the House of Councillors|president and vice-president]] of the [[House of Councillors]], the [[grand steward]] of the [[Imperial Household Agency]], the [[Chief Justice of Japan|chief justice]] and one justice of the [[Supreme Court of Japan|Supreme Court]], and two members of the [[Imperial House of Japan|Imperial family]]. [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|Fumihito, Prince Akishino]], the Emperor's younger son, asked to [[Judicial disqualification|recuse]] himself as he would become the next Crown Prince. He was replaced by [[Masahito, Prince Hitachi]], the Emperor's 82-year-old younger brother. The other member of the imperial family was Hitachi's wife, [[Hanako, Princess Hitachi]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171201/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c|title=Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019|date=2017-12-01|work=Mainichi Daily News|access-date=2019-05-04|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504194854/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171201/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c|archive-date=4 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] told reporters that the date was chosen to permit the old Emperor to be able to preside over the 30th anniversary Jubilee and to coincide with the [[Golden Week (Japan)|Golden Week]] annual holiday period, turning the changeover from a period of mourning and makeshift ceremonial into a joyous, well-planned festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|title=Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019|website=Japantoday.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203224525/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] told reporters that the date was chosen to permit the old Emperor to be able to preside over the 30th anniversary Jubilee and to coincide with the [[Golden Week (Japan)|Golden Week]] annual holiday period, turning the changeover from a period of mourning and makeshift ceremonial into a joyous, well-planned festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|title=Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019|website=Japantoday.com|date=December 2017 |access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203224525/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>


Finally, on 8 December 2017, the government created a special committee to oversee the events. According to Yoshihide Suga: "It will deal with the matter properly, taking into consideration the possible impact on the people's lives."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/special-panel-set-formally-approve-emperor-akihitos-abdication-date-april-30-2019/|title=Special panel set to formally approve Emperor Akihito's abdication date as April 30, 2019|date=5 December 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202204303/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/special-panel-set-formally-approve-emperor-akihitos-abdication-date-april-30-2019/|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Finally, on 8 December 2017, the government created a special committee to oversee the events. According to Yoshihide Suga: "It will deal with the matter properly, taking into consideration the possible impact on the people's lives."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/special-panel-set-formally-approve-emperor-akihitos-abdication-date-april-30-2019/|title=Special panel set to formally approve Emperor Akihito's abdication date as April 30, 2019|date=5 December 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202204303/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/special-panel-set-formally-approve-emperor-akihitos-abdication-date-april-30-2019/|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
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[[File:Yoshihide Suga announcing new imperial era Reiwa 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press.]]
[[File:Yoshihide Suga announcing new imperial era Reiwa 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press.]]


Since the [[Meiji Restoration]] in 1867, a new Japanese Era starts the day after the old emperor dies. However, in Emperor Akihito's case, manufacturers of calendars, forms, and other paper products needed to know the new Era's name in advance to produce wares in a timely manner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|title=Big headache for calendar publishers if new Emperor's era name announcement delayed|date=14 June 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|via=Japan Times Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204224433/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|archive-date=4 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|title=Japan's Heisei Emperor Departs, Taking his Calendar – Asia Sentinel|date=7 December 2017|website=Asiasentinel.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003325/https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|archive-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japan-forward.com" />
Since the [[Meiji Restoration]] in 1867, a new [[Japanese era name|Japanese Era]] starts the day after the death of old emperor. However, in Emperor Akihito's case, manufacturers of calendars, forms, and other paper products needed to know the new Era's name in advance to produce wares in a timely manner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|title=Big headache for calendar publishers if new Emperor's era name announcement delayed|date=14 June 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|via=Japan Times Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204224433/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|archive-date=4 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|title=Japan's Heisei Emperor Departs, Taking his Calendar – Asia Sentinel|date=7 December 2017|website=Asiasentinel.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003325/https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|archive-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japan-forward.com" />


While the Era names for the Shōwa and Heisei eras were kept state secrets until the deaths of the previous emperors, that was not possible in this case, because an abdication is unprecedented since the 1889 [[Meiji Constitution]] was adopted. In order to prevent divisive debate on the subject, delaying the announcement as late as is practically possible, either the old Emperor's birthday or his Jubilee celebrations had been suggested.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/17/national/japan-may-defer-announcement-new-era-name-year-end-later/|title=Japan may delay release of new era name until year-end or later|date=17 February 2018|via=Japan Times Online|access-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063804/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/17/national/japan-may-defer-announcement-new-era-name-year-end-later/|archive-date=5 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
While the Era names for the [[Shōwa era|Shōwa]] and [[Heisei era]]s were kept state secrets until the deaths of the previous emperors, that was not possible in this case, because an abdication is unprecedented since the 1889 [[Meiji Constitution]] was adopted. In order to prevent divisive debate on the subject, delaying the announcement as late as is practically possible, either the old Emperor's birthday or his Jubilee celebrations had been suggested.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/17/national/japan-may-defer-announcement-new-era-name-year-end-later/|title=Japan may delay release of new era name until year-end or later|date=17 February 2018|via=Japan Times Online|access-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063804/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/17/national/japan-may-defer-announcement-new-era-name-year-end-later/|archive-date=5 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


Until the Era name became known, computers and software manufacturers needed to test their systems before the transition in order to ensure that the new era will be handled correctly by their software. Some systems provided test mechanisms to simulate a new era ahead of time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/shawnste/2018/04/12/the-japanese-calendars-y2k-moment/|title=The Japanese Calendar's Y2K Moment|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622005137/https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/shawnste/2018/04/12/the-japanese-calendars-y2k-moment/|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Until the Era name became known, computers and software manufacturers needed to test their systems before the transition in order to ensure that the new era will be handled correctly by their software. Some systems provided test mechanisms to simulate a new era ahead of time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/shawnste/2018/04/12/the-japanese-calendars-y2k-moment/|title=The Japanese Calendar's Y2K Moment|date=12 April 2018 |access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622005137/https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/shawnste/2018/04/12/the-japanese-calendars-y2k-moment/|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


The new Era name, {{Nihongo|[[Reiwa]]|令和}}, was revealed on 1 April 2019 by [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] during a televised press conference.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |title=Japan names new imperial era 'Reiwa,' a symbol of the country's hopes for the future |last=Denyer |first=Simon |date=2019-04-01 |newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en-US |access-date=2019-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402195337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The new Era name, {{Nihongo|[[Reiwa]]|令和}}, was revealed on 1 April 2019 by [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] during a televised press conference.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |title=Japan names new imperial era 'Reiwa,' a symbol of the country's hopes for the future |last=Denyer |first=Simon |date=2019-04-01 |newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en-US |access-date=2019-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402195337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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[[File:Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito 2.png|thumb|right|Emperor Naruhito during the Enthronement Ceremony]]
[[File:Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito 2.png|thumb|right|Emperor Naruhito during the Enthronement Ceremony]]


The [[Enthronement of the Japanese emperor|Enthronement Ceremony]] for Emperor Naruhito took place in Tokyo on 22 October 2019, marking the end of the transition period. It was an extra holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/genre/society/l10784/|title=Japan May Make New Emperor's Proclamation Date Nonworking Day (News)|date=13 February 2018|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313162339/https://www.nippon.com/en/genre/society/l10784/|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It was attended by current and former Japanese politicians and more than 3,000 other official guests, which included more than 120 heads of state and government, as well as high-profile delegates from about 210 countries and territories and 9 organizations (the only country not to be invited to this ceremony was [[Syria]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/a-look-at-the-events-surrounding-japans-enthronement-ceremony-132338/ |title=A look at the events surrounding Japan's Enthronement Ceremony |date=21 October 2019 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605163002/https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/a-look-at-the-events-surrounding-japans-enthronement-ceremony-132338/ |archive-date=5 June 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The '''[[Enthronement of the Japanese emperor|Enthronement Ceremony]] for Emperor Naruhito''' took place in the [[Imperial Palace, Tokyo|Imperial Palace]] in [[Tokyo]] on 22 October 2019, marking the end of the transition period. It was an extra holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/genre/society/l10784/|title=Japan May Make New Emperor's Proclamation Date Nonworking Day (News)|date=13 February 2018|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313162339/https://www.nippon.com/en/genre/society/l10784/|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It was attended by current and former Japanese politicians and more than 3,000 other official guests, which included more than 120 heads of state and government, as well as high-profile delegates from about 210 countries and territories and 9 organizations (the only country not to be invited to this ceremony was [[Syria]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/a-look-at-the-events-surrounding-japans-enthronement-ceremony-132338/ |title=A look at the events surrounding Japan's Enthronement Ceremony |date=21 October 2019 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605163002/https://royalcentral.co.uk/asia/japan/a-look-at-the-events-surrounding-japans-enthronement-ceremony-132338/ |archive-date=5 June 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>


The Enthronement Ceremony began at 9 am local time (02:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) with the private "Kashikodokoro-Omae-no-gi" ritual when the Emperor, dressed in white traditional court wear, visited "Kashikodokoro," the main sanctuary in the Tokyo Imperial Palace where the Sun Goddess is said to be enshrined.<ref name="NHK World">{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/723/|title=Imperial enthronement ceremony as it happened|date=22 October 2019|publisher=NHK World|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022131436/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/723/|archive-date=22 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Enthronement Ceremony began at 9 am [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] (02:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) with the private "Kashikodokoro-Omae-no-gi" ritual when the Emperor, dressed in white traditional court wear, visited "Kashikodokoro," the main sanctuary in the Tokyo Imperial Palace where the Sun Goddess is said to be enshrined.<ref name="NHK World">{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/723/|title=Imperial enthronement ceremony as it happened|date=22 October 2019|publisher=NHK World|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022131436/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/723/|archive-date=22 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


At 1 pm local time (06:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]), the main ceremony began. In the ceremony, Emperor Naruhito wore the [[sokutai]] and Empress Masako wore the [[jūnihitoe]]. He then took his place on the 6.5-metre (21-foot) Takamikura throne alongside Masako at the Matsu-no-Ma (Pine Hall), and gave a speech which emphasized his role as the symbol of the State.<ref name="NHK World" /> The speech then followed by a congratulatory speech by Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and [[Ten thousand years|three cheers of banzai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191022/news/310229949/|title=Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascends Chrysanthemum Throne|date=22 October 2019|work=Daily Herald|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025070450/https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191022/news/310229949/|archive-date=25 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
At 1 pm [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] (06:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]), the main ceremony began. In the ceremony, Emperor [[Naruhito]] wore the [[sokutai]] and [[Empress Masako]] wore the [[jūnihitoe]]. He then took his place on the 6.5-metre (21-foot) Takamikura throne alongside Masako at the Matsu-no-Ma (Pine Hall), and gave a speech which emphasized his role as the symbol of the State.<ref name="NHK World" /> The speech then followed by a congratulatory speech by [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Shinzo Abe]] and [[Ten thousand years|three cheers of banzai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191022/news/310229949/|title=Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascends Chrysanthemum Throne|date=22 October 2019|work=Daily Herald|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025070450/https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191022/news/310229949/|archive-date=25 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Guests ===
===[[Imperial House of Japan|Japanese Imperial Family]]===
The ceremony was attended by representatives of around 174 countries, including foreign royalties, heads of state and government.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2019-10-20 |title=Japan ready for Naruhito's enthronement, but postpones procession |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3033580/typhoon-hagibis-casts-cloud-over-japanese-emperor-naruhitos |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2019-10-18 |title=Factbox: Hundreds of dignitaries to attend as Japan's emperor declares enthronement |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-japan-emperor-enthronement-factbox-idINKBN1WX18K |access-date=2023-05-07}}</ref> A state banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito himself was organized later in the day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-22 |title=Washoku delicacies served at banquet after emperor's ceremony |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/10/bebd59cf73c3-washoku-delicacies-served-at-banquet-after-emperors-ceremony.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Kyodo News+}}</ref>

==== Japanese Imperial Family and relatives ====
* [[Empress Masako|The Empress]], ''the Emperor's wife and consort''
* [[Empress Masako|The Empress]], ''the Emperor's wife and consort''

* [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|The Prince]] and [[Kiko, Crown Princess of Japan|Princess Akishino]], ''the Emperor's brother and sister-in-law''
===== Other descendants of [[Akihito]] =====
* [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|The Crown Prince]] and [[Kiko, Crown Princess of Japan|Crown Princess Akishino]], ''the Emperor's brother and sister-in-law''
** [[Mako Komuro|Princess Mako of Akishino]], ''the Emperor's niece''
** [[Mako Komuro|Princess Mako of Akishino]], ''the Emperor's niece''
** [[Princess Kako of Akishino]], ''the Emperor's niece''
** [[Princess Kako of Akishino]], ''the Emperor's niece''
* [[Sayako Kuroda|The Former Princess Nori]] and Yoshiki Kuroda, ''the Emperor's sister and brother-in-law''
* [[Sayako Kuroda|The Former Princess Nori]] and Yoshiki Kuroda, ''the Emperor's sister and brother-in-law''

===== Other descendants of [[Hirohito|Emperor Shōwa]] =====
* [[Atsuko Ikeda|The Former Princess Yori]], ''the Emperor's paternal aunt''
* [[Masahito, Prince Hitachi|The Prince]] and [[Hanako, Princess Hitachi|Princess Hitachi]], ''the Emperor's paternal uncle and aunt''
* [[Masahito, Prince Hitachi|The Prince]] and [[Hanako, Princess Hitachi|Princess Hitachi]], ''the Emperor's paternal uncle and aunt''
* [[Atsuko Ikeda|The Former Princess Yori]], ''the Emperor's paternal aunt''
* [[Takako Shimazu|The Former Princess Suga]] and Hisanaga Shimazu, ''the Emperor's paternal aunt and uncle''
* [[Takako Shimazu|The Former Princess Suga]] and Hisanaga Shimazu, ''the Emperor's paternal aunt and uncle''

* [[Takahito, Prince Mikasa|The Prince Mikasa]]'s family:
===== Other descendants of [[Emperor Taishō]] =====
** [[Princess Tomohito of Mikasa]], ''widow of [[Prince Tomohito of Mikasa|the Emperor's first cousin, once removed]]''
*** [[Princess Akiko of Mikasa]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
* [[Yasuko Konoe|Former Princess Yasuko of Mikasa]] and [[Tadateru Konoe]], ''the Emperor's first cousin, once removed and her husband''
*** [[Princess Yōko of Mikasa]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
* [[Princess Tomohito of Mikasa]], ''widow of [[Prince Tomohito of Mikasa|the Emperor's first cousin, once removed]]''
** [[Hisako, Princess Takamado|The Princess Takamado]], ''widow of [[Norihito, Prince Takamado|the Emperor's first cousin, once removed]]''
** [[Princess Akiko of Mikasa]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
*** [[Princess Tsuguko of Takamado]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
** [[Princess Yōko of Mikasa]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
*** [[Noriko Senge|Former Princess Noriko of Takamado]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
* [[Masako Sen|Former Princess Masako of Mikasa]] and Masayuki Sen, ''the Emperor's first cousin, once removed and her husband''
*** [[Ayako Moriya|Former Princess Ayako of Takamado]] and Kei Moriya, ''the Emperor's second cousin and her husband''
* [[Hisako, Princess Takamado|The Princess Takamado]], ''widow of the [[Norihito, Prince Takamado|Emperor's first cousin, once removed]]''
** [[Yasuko Konoe|Former Princess Yasuko of Mikasa]] and [[Tadateru Konoe]], ''the Emperor's first cousin, once removed and her husband''
** [[Princess Tsuguko of Takamado]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
** [[Masako Sen|Former Princess Masako of Mikasa]] and Masayuki Sen, ''the Emperor's first cousin, once removed and her husband''
** [[Noriko Senge|Former Princess Noriko of Takamado]], ''the Emperor's second cousin''
** [[Ayako Moriya|Former Princess Ayako of Takamado]] and Kei Moriya, ''the Emperor's second cousin and her husband''

==== Owada family ====
* [[Hisashi Owada|Hisashi]] and Yumiko Owada, ''the Empress's parents''


====Absentees====
====Absentees====
* [[Akihito|The Emperor Emeritus]] and [[Empress Michiko|Empress Emerita]], ''the Emperor's parents''
* [[Akihito|The Emperor Emeritus]] and [[Empress Michiko|Empress Emerita]], ''the Emperor's parents''
** [[Aiko, Princess Toshi|The Princess Toshi]], ''the Emperor and Empress's daughter''
** [[Aiko, Princess Toshi|The Princess Toshi]], ''the Emperor's daughter''
** [[Prince Hisahito of Akishino]], ''the Emperor's nephew''
** [[Prince Hisahito of Akishino]], ''the Emperor's nephew''
* [[Yuriko, Princess Mikasa|The Princess Mikasa]], ''the Emperor's paternal grandaunt by marriage''
* [[Yuriko, Princess Mikasa|The Princess Mikasa]], ''the Emperor's paternal great-aunt by marriage''


== Post-enthronement parade ==
=== Officials and dignitaries ===
A parade to celebrate Naruhito's enthronement as Emperor took place on 10 November at 3 pm local time (06:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) as tens of thousands of people gathered in the city centre of Tokyo waving the Japanese flag. The Emperor and Empress used a [[Toyota Century]] convertible, which was followed by vehicles with Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Crown Princess Kiko as well as Shinzō Abe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|title=IN PHOTOS: Japanese Emperor Naruhito's enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093331/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|title=Japan's imperial couple draws thousands for enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Nikkei Asian Review|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110100554/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
The enthronement was attended by nearly 600 foreign delegates. They included 15 kings, 7 queens, 4 princesses, 11 princes, 70 presidents, 6 governors-general, 27 premiers, 2 chancellors, 10 vice presidents, 6 deputy premiers, 9 former leaders, 38 national officials (which featured 18 foreign ministers) and 9 multilateral dignitaries.

The guests were hosted at the [[Hotel New Otani]] in [[Tokyo]], and a state banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito himself was organized later in the day.

The ceremony was considered to be one of the "largest gathering of world leaders" in the contemporary world's and Japan's history.

{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed"
! style="width:55em; text-align:left" | List of heads of state, government and dignitaries
|-
|
;Heads of the three branches of government of Japan
*{{flagicon|Japan}} [[Shinzo Abe]], [[Prime Minister of Japan]]
**[[Yoshirō Mori]], former Prime Minister of Japan (2000–2001)
**[[Junichiro Koizumi]], former Prime Minister of Japan (2001–2006)
**[[Yasuo Fukuda]], former Prime Minister of Japan (2007–2008)
**[[Tarō Asō]], former Prime Minister of Japan (2008–2009)
**[[Yoshihiko Noda]], former Prime Minister of Japan (2011–2012)
*[[Tadamori Ōshima]], [[Speaker of the House of Representatives (Japan)|Speaker of the House of Representatives]]
*[[Akiko Santō]], [[President of the House of Councillors]]
*[[Naoto Ōtani]], [[Chief Justice of Japan|Chief Justice of the Supreme Court]]

;1. Kings, queens, princes, princesses and other monarchy guests
*{{flagicon|Andorra}} [[Joan Enric Vives Sicilia]], [[Co-Prince of Andorra]]
*{{flagicon|Belgium}} The [[Philippe of Belgium|King]] and [[Mathilde of Belgium|Queen of the Belgians]]
*{{flagicon|Bhutan}} The [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck|King]] and [[Jetsun Pema|Queen of Bhutan]]
*{{flagicon|Brunei}} The [[Hassanal Bolkiah|Sultan]] and [[Prince Mateen of Brunei]]
*{{flagicon|Cambodia}} The [[Norodom Sihamoni|King]] and [[Norodom Arunrasmy|Princess Norodom Arunrasmy of Cambodia]]
*{{flagicon|Eswatini}} The [[Mswati III|King of Eswatini]]
*{{flagicon|Lesotho}} The [[Letsie III of Lesotho|King]] and [[Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso|Queen of Lesotho]]
*{{flagicon|Malaysia}} The [[Abdullah of Pahang|Yang di Pertuan Agong]] and [[Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah|Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia]]
*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} The [[Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands|King]] and [[Queen Máxima of the Netherlands|Queen of the Netherlands]]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} The [[Felipe VI of Spain|King]] and [[Letizia Ortiz|Queen of Spain]]
*{{flagicon|Sweden}} The [[Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden|King]] and [[Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden|Crown Princess of Sweden]]
*{{flagicon|Tonga}} The [[Tupou VI|King]] and [[Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho|Queen of Tonga]]
*{{flagicon|Luxembourg}} The [[Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg|Grand Duke of Luxembourg]]
*{{flagicon|Monaco}} The [[Albert II of Monaco|Prince of Monaco]]
*{{flagicon|Qatar}} The [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani|Emir of Qatar]]
*{{flagicon|Bahrain}} The [[Salman, Crown Prince of Bahrain|Crown Prince of Bahrain]]
*{{flagicon|Denmark}} The [[Frederick, Crown Prince of Denmark|Crown Prince]] and [[Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark|Crown Princess of Denmark]]
*{{flagicon|San Marino}} [[Captain Regent]] [[Luca Boschi]] of [[San Marino]]
*{{flagicon|Jordan}} The [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Crown Prince of Jordan]]
*{{flagicon|Kuwait}} The [[Nasser Al-Sabah|Sheikh of Kuwait]]
*{{flagicon|UAE}} [[Sheikh]] [[Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan]] of the [[United Arab Emirates]]
*{{flagicon|Liechtenstein}} The [[Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein|Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein]]
*{{flagicon|Oman}} [[Qaboos bin Said al Said]], [[Sultan of Oman]]
*{{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco]]
*{{flagicon|Norway}} The [[Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway|Crown Prince of Norway]]
*{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} The [[Mohammed bin Salman|Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia]]
*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} The [[Charles III|Prince of Wales]]

;2. Presidents and vice presidents
*{{flagicon|Afghanistan|2013}} [[Ashraf Ghani]], [[President of Afghanistan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/204629649613285/posts/2464416073634620?sfns=mo|title=ARG - ارگ|website=[[Facebook]] |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104193048/https://www.facebook.com/204629649613285/posts/2464416073634620%3Fsfns%3Dmo|archive-date=4 November 2019}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Albania}} [[Ilir Meta]], [[President of Albania]]
*{{flagicon|Armenia}} [[Armen Sarkissian]], [[President of Armenia]]
*{{flagicon|Austria}} [[Alexander Van der Bellen]], [[President of Austria]]
*{{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Jair Bolsonaro]], [[President of Brazil]]
*{{flagicon|Bulgaria}} [[Rumen Radev]], [[President of Bulgaria]]
*{{flagicon|Republic of the Congo}} [[Denis Sassou Nguesso]], [[President of the Republic of the Congo]]
*{{flagicon|Democratic Republic of the Congo}} [[Félix Tshisekedi]], [[President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
*{{flagicon|El Salvador}} [[Félix Ulloa]], [[Vice President of El Salvador]]
*{{flagicon|Estonia}} [[Kersti Kaljulaid]], [[President of Estonia]]
*{{flagicon|Ethiopia}} [[Sahle-Work Zewde]], [[President of Ethiopia]]
*{{flagicon|Fiji}} [[Jioji Konrote]], [[President of Fiji]]
*{{flagicon|Finland}} [[Sauli Niinistö]], [[President of Finland]]
*{{flagicon|Georgia}} [[Salome Zourabichvili]], [[President of Georgia]]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]], [[President of Germany]]
*{{flagicon|Greece}} [[Prokopis Pavlopoulos]], [[President of Greece]]
*{{flagicon|Guatemala}} [[Jimmy Morales]], [[President of Guatemala]]
*{{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Janos Ader]], [[President of Hungary]]
*{{flagicon|Iceland}} [[Guðni Th. Jóhannesson]], [[President of Iceland]]
*{{flagicon|India}} [[Ram Nath Kovind]], [[President of India]]
*{{flagicon|Ivory Coast}} [[Alassane Ouattara]], [[President of Ivory Coast]]
*{{flagicon|Kenya}} [[Uhuru Kenyatta]], [[President of Kenya]]
*{{flagicon|Kyrgyzstan}} [[Sooronbay Jeenbekov]], [[President of Kyrgyzstan]]
*{{flagicon|Latvia}} [[Egils Levits]], [[President of Latvia]]
*{{flagicon|Lithuania}} [[Gitanas Nausėda]], [[President of Lithuania]]
*{{flagicon|Maldives}} [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]], [[President of the Maldives]]
*{{flagicon|Malta}} [[George Vella]], [[President of Malta]]
*{{flagicon|Moldova}} [[Igor Dodon]], [[President of Moldova]]
*{{flagicon|Mozambique}} [[Filipe Nyusi]], [[President of Mozambique]]
*{{flagicon|Montenegro}} [[Milo Đukanović]], [[President of Montenegro]]
*{{flagicon|Nepal}} [[Bidhya Devi Bhandari]], [[President of Nepal]]
*{{flagicon|Paraguay}} [[Mario Abdo Benítez]], [[President of Paraguay]]
*{{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Arif Alvi]], [[President of Pakistan]]
*{{flagicon|Palestine}} [[Mahmood Abbas]], [[President of Palestine]]
*{{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Rodrigo Duterte]], [[President of the Philippines]]
*{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Andrzej Duda]], [[President of Poland]]
*{{flagicon|Romania}} [[Klaus Iohannis]], [[President of Romania]]
*{{flagicon|Rwanda}} [[Paul Kagame]], [[President of Rwanda]]
*{{flagicon|Samoa}} [[Va'aletoa Sualauvi II]], [[O le Ao o le Malo]] of Samoa
*{{flagicon|Serbia}} [[Aleksandar Vučić]], [[President of Serbia]]
*{{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Halimah Yacob]], [[President of Singapore]]
*{{flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Zuzana Čaputová]], [[President of Slovakia]]
*{{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Borut Pahor]], [[President of Slovenia]]
*{{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} [[Maithripala Sirisena]], [[President of Sri Lanka]]
*{{flagicon|Tajikistan}} [[Emomali Rahmon]], [[President of Tajikistan]]
*{{flagicon|Turkmenistan}} [[Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow]], [[President of Turkmenistan]]
*{{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Volodymyr Zelensky]], [[President of Ukraine]]
*{{flagicon|Argentina}} [[Gabriela Michetti]], [[Vice President of Argentina]]
*{{flagicon|China}} [[Wang Qishan]], [[Vice President of the People's Republic of China|Vice President of China]]
*{{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Ma'ruf Amin]], [[Vice President of Indonesia]]
*{{flagicon|Zimbabwe}} [[Simbarashe Mumbengegwi]], [[Vice President]] of [[Zimbabwe]]

;3. Governors-general, prime ministers, and deputy prime ministers
*{{flagicon|Australia}} [[David Hurley]], [[Governor-General of Australia]]
*{{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Patsy Reddy|Dame Patsy Reddy]], [[Governor-General of New Zealand]]
*{{flagicon|Papua New Guinea}} [[Bob Dadae|Sir Bob Dadae]], [[Governor-General of Papua New Guinea]]
*{{flagicon|Solomon Islands}} [[David Vunagi|Sir David Vunagi]], [[Governor-General of Solomon Islands]]
*{{flagicon|Bahamas}} [[Arthur Foulkes]], [[Governor General of the Bahamas]]
*{{flagicon|Belize}} [[Colville Young]], [[Governor General of Belize]]
*{{flagicon|Algeria}} [[Ahmed Ouyahia]], [[Prime Minister of Algeria]]
*{{flagicon|Antigua and Barbuda}} [[Gaston Browne]], [[Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda]]
*{{flagicon|Aruba}} [[Evelyn Wever-Croes]], [[Prime Minister of Aruba]]
*{{flagicon|Burkina Faso}} [[Christophe Joseph Marie Dabire]], [[Prime Minister of Burkina Faso]]
*{{flagicon|Cook Islands}} [[Henry Puna]], [[Prime Minister of Cook Islands]]
*{{flagicon|Curacao}} [[Eugene Rhuggenaath]], [[Prime Minister of Curacao]]
*{{flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Andrej Babiš]], [[Prime Minister of Czech Republic]]
*{{flagicon|Djibouti}} [[Dileita Mohamed Dileita]], [[Prime Minister of Djibouti]]
*{{flagicon|Equatorial Guinea}} [[Francisco Pascual Obama Asue]], [[Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea]]
*{{flagicon|Laos}} [[Thongloun Sisoulith]], [[Prime Minister of Laos]]
*{{flagicon|Mongolia}} [[Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh]], [[Prime Minister of Mongolia]]
*{{flagicon|Myanmar}} [[Aung San Suu Kyi]], [[State Counsellor of Myanmar]]
*{{flagicon|Israel}} [[Benjamin Netanyahu]], [[Prime Minister of Israel]]
*{{flagicon|Lebanon}} [[Saad Hariri]], [[Prime Minister of Lebanon]]
*{{flagicon|Cameroon}} [[Joseph Ngute]], [[Prime Minister of Cameroon]]
*{{flagicon|Saint Lucia}} [[Kenny Anthony]], [[Prime Minister of Saint Lucia]]
*{{flagicon|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}} [[Ralph Gonsalves]], [[Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]
*{{flagicon|Sierra Leone}} [[David J. Francis (politician)|David J. Francis]], [[List of heads of government of Sierra Leone|Chief Minister of Sierra Leone]]
*{{flagicon|South Korea}} [[Lee Nak-yeon]], [[Prime Minister of South Korea]]
*{{flagicon|South Sudan}} [[Mayiik Ayii Deng]], [[Prime Minister]] of [[South Sudan]]
*{{flagicon|Sudan}} [[Abdullah Hamdok]], [[Prime Minister of Sudan]]
*{{flagicon|Tanzania}} [[Kassim Majaliwa]], [[Prime Minister of Tanzania]]
*{{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Prayut Chan-o-cha]], [[Prime Minister of Thailand]]
*{{flagicon|Tuvalu}} [[Kausea Natano]], [[Prime Minister of Tuvalu]]
*{{flagicon|Trinidad and Tobago}} [[Keith Rowley]], [[Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago]]
*{{flagicon|Vietnam}} [[Nguyễn Xuân Phúc]], [[Prime Minister of Vietnam]]
*{{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Khaled El Anany]], [[Deputy Prime Minister]] of [[Egypt]]
*{{flagicon|Croatia}} [[Predrag Stromar]], [[Deputy Prime Minister of Croatia]]
*{{flagicon|Uganda}} [[Moses Ali]], [[Deputy Prime Minister]] of [[Uganda]]
*{{flagicon|Gibraltar}} [[Joseph Garcia (Gibraltarian politician)|John Garcia]], [[Deputy Prime Minister]] of [[Gibraltar]]
*{{flagicon|Jamaica}} [[Everald Warmington]], [[Deputy Prime Minister]] of [[Jamaica]]
*{{flagicon|Namibia}} [[Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah]], [[Deputy Prime Minister]] of [[Namibia]]

;4. Ministers and cabinet-level officials
*{{flagicon|Angola}} [[Frederico Silva Cardoso]], [[Minister of State]] of [[Angola]]
*{{flagicon|Azerbaijan}} [[Ogtay Asadov]], [[President (government title)|President]] of the [[Politics of Azerbaijan|Parliament of Azerbaijan]]
*{{flagicon|Bermuda}} [[Joan Dillas-Wright]], [[President (government title)|President]] of the [[Senate of Bermuda]]
*{{flagicon|Bolivia}} [[Diego Pary Rodriguez]], [[Chancellor of Bolivia]]
*{{flagicon|British Virgin Islands}} [[Orlando Smith]], [[Foreign Minister]] of the [[British Virgin Islands]]
*{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Richard Wagner (judge)|Richard Wagner]], [[Chief Justice of Canada]]
*{{flagicon|Colombia}} [[Carlos Holmes Trujillo]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Colombia]]
*{{flagicon|Costa Rica}} [[Claudia Dobles]], [[First Lady of Costa Rica]]
*{{flagicon|Dominican Republic}} [[Miguel Vargas (politician)|Miguel Vargas]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Dominican Republic]]
*{{flagicon|Dominica}} [[Alix Boyd Knights]], [[List of Speakers of the House of Assembly of Dominica|Speaker of the House of Assembly of Dominica]]
*{{flagicon|Ecuador}} [[Cesar Litardo]], [[President (government title)|President]] of the [[National Assembly of Ecuador]]
*{{flagicon|Eritrea}} [[Osman Saleh Mohammed]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Eritrea]]
*{{flagicon|Ghana}} [[Rebecca Akufo-Addo]], [[First Lady of Ghana]]
*{{flagicon|Guam}} [[Josh Tenorio]], [[Deputy Governor]] of [[Guam]]
*{{flagicon|Guinea-Bissau}} [[Suzi Barbosa]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Guinea-Bissau]]
*{{flagicon|Guyana}} [[Barton Scotland]], [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] of the [[National Assembly of Guyana]]
*{{flagicon|Grenada}} [[Tillman Thomas]], [[Leader of the Opposition]] in [[Grenada]]
*{{flagicon|Haiti}} [[Bocchit Edmond]], [[Chancellor]] of [[Haiti]]
*{{flagicon|Hong Kong}} [[Carrie Lam]], [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Clyde |title=Japanese Emperor Naruhito claims throne in traditional ceremony |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/10/22/Japanese-Emperor-Naruhito-claims-throne-in-traditional-ceremony/4961571741492/ |website=United Press International |access-date=23 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022194715/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/10/22/Japanese-Emperor-Naruhito-claims-throne-in-traditional-ceremony/4961571741492/ |archive-date=22 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Iran}} [[Ali Larijani]], [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] of the [[Politics of Iran|Parliament of Iran]]
*{{flagicon|Iraq}} [[Mohamed Ali Alhakim]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Iraq]]
*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Simon Coveney]], [[Foreign Minister]] of the [[Republic of Ireland]]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati]], [[List of Presidents of the Senate (Italy)|President of the Senate of Italy]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.senato.it/presidente/ |title=Il Presidente del Senato - Home |access-date=21 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905220715/http://www.senato.it/presidente |archive-date=5 September 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Macau}} [[Fernando Chui]], [[Chief Executive of Macau]]
*{{flagicon|Madagascar}} [[Eloi Alphonse Maxime Dovo]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Madagascar]]
*{{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Olga Sánchez Cordero]], [[Secretariat of the Interior|Minister of the Interior of Mexico]]
*{{flagicon|Micronesia}} [[Lorin S. Robert]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Micronesia]]
*{{flagicon|Nauru}} [[Marcus Stephen]], [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] of the [[Parliament of Nauru]]
*{{flagicon|Peru}} [[Francisco Petrozzi]], [[Minister of Culture]] of [[Peru]]
*{{flagicon|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} [[Mark Brantley]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Saint Kitts and Nevis]]
*{{flagicon|South Africa}} [[Candith Mashego-Dlamini]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[South Africa]]
*{{flagicon|Suriname}} [[Soewarto Moestadja]], [[Minister of Labour]] of [[Suriname]]
*{{flagicon|Turkey}} [[Mehmet Ersoy]], Minister of Culture and Tourism of [[Turkey]]
*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Dominic Raab]], [[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs]] of the [[United Kingdom]]
**{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Eluned Morgan, Baroness Morgan of Ely|Eluned Morgan]], Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language of [[Wales]]
*{{flagicon|United States}} [[Elaine Chao]], [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Transportation Secretary of the United States]]
*{{flagicon|US Virgin Islands}} [[Donna Christian Christensen]], [[Foreign Minister]] of the [[United States Virgin Islands]]
*{{flagicon|Uruguay}} [[Rodolfo Nin Novoa]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Uruguay]]
*{{flagicon|Uzbekistan}} [[Tanzila Norbaeva]], [[President (government title)|President]] of the [[Politics of Uzbekistan|Parliament of Uzbekistan]]
*{{flagicon|Holy See}} [[Francesco Monterisi]], [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|Cardinal]] of the [[Vatican City]]
*{{flagicon|Venezuela}} [[Diosdado Cabello]], [[2017 Constituent National Assembly|President of the Constituent National Assembly of Venezuela]]
*{{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Hisham Sharaf]], [[Foreign Minister]] of [[Yemen]]

;5. Former heads of state, representatives of international organizations and other guests
*{{flagicon|Chile}} [[Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle]], former [[President of Chile]]
*{{flagicon|Ethiopia}} [[Mulatu Teshome]], former [[President of Ethiopia]]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[Nicolas Sarkozy]], former [[President of France]]
*{{flagicon|India}} [[Manmohan Singh]], former [[Prime Minister of India]]
*{{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Enrique Peña Nieto]], former [[President of Mexico]]
*{{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Abdelilah Benkirane]], former [[Prime Minister of Morocco]]
*{{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Aníbal Cavaco Silva]], former [[President of Portugal]]
*{{flagicon|Kazakhstan}} [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]], former [[President of Kazakhstan]]
*{{flagicon|Kiribati}} [[Tebutoro Tito]], former [[President of Kiribati]]
*{{flagicon|Botswana}} [[Charles Thembani Ntwaagae]], [[Botswana]] [[Permanent representative to the United Nations|Representative]] to the [[United Nations]]
*{{flagicon|Barbados}} [[Keith Hamilton (diplomat)|Keith Hamilton]], [[Barbados]] [[Permanent representative to the United Nations|Representative]] to [[United Nations]]
*{{flagicon|Chad}} [[Ali Alifei Moustapha]], [[Chad]] [[Permanent representative to the United Nations|Representative]] to the [[United Nations]]
*{{flagicon|Somalia}} [[Yusuf Mohamed Ismail]], [[Somalia]] [[Permanent representative to the United Nations|Representative]] to the [[United Nations]]
*{{flagicon|Tunisia}} [[Moncef Baati]], [[Tunisia]] [[Permanent representative to the United Nations|Representative]] to the [[United Nations]]
*{{flagicon|Taiwan}} [[Frank Hsieh]], ROC [[Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan|Representative]] to [[Japan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3800961|title=Emperor Naruhito proclaims enthronement in ancient-style ceremony|date=22 October 2019 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102113431/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3800961|archive-date=2 November 2019|publisher=Taiwan News}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Hawaii}} [[David Ige]], [[Governor of Hawaii|Governor of the State of Hawaii]], United States
*{{flagicon|American Samoa}} [[Lolo Matalasi Moliga]], [[Governor of American Samoa]], United States
*{{flagicon|Burundi}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Burundi]]
*{{flagicon|Belarus}} [[Viktor Guminsky]], Representative of the [[Government of Belarus]]
*{{flagicon|Benin}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Benin]]
*{{flagicon|Central African Republic}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Central African Republic]]
*{{flagicon|Gambia}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Gambia]]
*{{flagicon|Liberia}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Liberia]]
*{{flagicon|Libya}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Libya]]
*{{flagicon|Mauritania}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Mauritania]]
*{{flagicon|Mauritius}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of Mauritius]]
*{{flagicon|São Tomé and Príncipe}} [[House of Representatives|Representatives]] of the [[Government of São Tomé and Príncipe]]
*{{flagicon|ASEAN}} [[Lim Jock Hoi]], [[Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations]]
*{{flagicon|CIS}} [[Sergey Lebedev (politician)|Sergei Lebedev]], Executive Secretary of the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]]
*{{flagicon|UNESCO}} [[Audrey Azoulay]], [[Director General]] of [[UNESCO]]
*[[File:World Bank logo.svg|25px]] [[David Malpass]], [[President of the World Bank]]
*[[Patricia Scotland]], [[Secretary General]] of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]
*{{flagicon|Europe}} [[Federica Mogherini]], [[Vice President of the European Commission]]
*{{flagicon|NATO}} [[Rose Gottemoeller]], [[Secretary General of NATO#Deputy Secretary General|Deputy Secretary General]] of [[NATO]]
*[[File:OECD logo.svg|25px]] [[Masamichi Kono]], [[Secretary (title)|Deputy Secretary General]] of [[OECD]]
*{{flagicon|United Nations}} [[Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti]], [[Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations]]

;6. Notes
*[[Daijō Tennō|Emperor Emeritus]] [[Akihito]] and [[Empress Michiko|Empress Emerita Michiko]] were absent from this event.
*In addition to all the guests above, more than 250 ambassadors, eminents and diplomats were presented at the event.
*Countries to which Japanese government did not send invitations: [[Syria]] and [[North Korea]]
|}

== Post-enthronement ceremony ==
=== Parade ===
A Parade to celebrate the Naruhito's enthronement as a new emperor took place on 10 November at 3 pm local time (06:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) as tens of thousands of people gathered in the city centre of Tokyo waving the Japanese flag. [[Toyota Century]] convertible, which the couple used was followed by vehicles with Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Crown Princess Kiko as well as Shinzō Abe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|title=IN PHOTOS: Japanese Emperor Naruhito's enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093331/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|title=Japan's imperial couple draws thousands for enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Nikkei Asian Review|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110100554/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


The procession forming a 400-metre motorcade was started from Tokyo Imperial Palace, passed the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the main gate of the Diet building before arriving at the couple's residence in the Akasaka Imperial Grounds on the 4.6-kilometre-long (3-mile-long) route.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|title=Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako parade in Tokyo to commemorate enthronement|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215065418/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|archive-date=15 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|title=Japan emperor greets public in parade marking enthronement|date=10 November 2019|last=Yamaguchi|first=Mari|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093317/https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
The procession forming a 400-metre motorcade was started from Tokyo Imperial Palace, passed the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the main gate of the Diet building before arriving at the couple's residence in the Akasaka Imperial Grounds on the 4.6-kilometre-long (3-mile-long) route.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|title=Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako parade in Tokyo to commemorate enthronement|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215065418/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|archive-date=15 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|title=Japan emperor greets public in parade marking enthronement|date=10 November 2019|last=Yamaguchi|first=Mari|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093317/https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Timeline ==
== Timeline ==
;[[Heisei era]]

;Heisei Era

=== 2010 ===
=== 2010 ===
Emperor Akihito informs his advisory council that he would like to retire eventually and asks for their help in arranging this.
[[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] [[Akihito]] informs his advisory council that he would like to abdicate eventually and asks for their help in arranging this.


=== 2016 ===
=== 2016 ===
* July: Emperor Akihito leaks to the press his wishes to retire.
* July: Emperor Akihito leaks to the press his wishes to abdicate.
* 13 July: NHK reports his wishes to the public.
* 13 July: [[NHK]] reports his wishes to the public.
* 8 August: The Emperor makes address to the public on television and radio implying the above wish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Text of Emperor Akihito's unprecedented video message |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/08/national/text-emperor-akihitos-unprecedented-video-message/ |website=The Japan Times Online |access-date=5 May 2019 |date=8 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505044520/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/08/national/text-emperor-akihitos-unprecedented-video-message/ |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* 8 August: The Emperor makes address to the public on television and radio implying the above wish.<ref>{{cite web |title=Message from His Majesty The Emperor|url=https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detailEn/12 |website=[[Imperial Household Agency]] |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=8 August 2016}}</ref>
* September: [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Shinzō Abe]] appoints a committee to investigate the legal ramifications of a possible abdication.
* September: [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Shinzo Abe]] appoints a committee to investigate the legal ramifications of a possible abdication.


=== 2017 ===
=== 2017 ===
*12 January: Public debate on abdication in the House of Representatives Budget committee.
*12 January: Public debate on abdication in the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]] Budget committee.
*11 May: A report of a joint committee of the National Diet recommends a one-off bill to facilitate the first imperial abdication in two centuries.
*11 May: A report of a joint committee of the National Diet recommends a one-off bill to facilitate the first imperial abdication in two centuries.
*19 May: [[Third Abe Cabinet|The Cabinet of Prime Minister]] [[Shinzō Abe]] introduces the abdication bill.<ref>{{cite web |last1=NEWS |first1=KYODO |title=Japan gov't OKs bill to allow 1st abdication of emperor in 200 yrs |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/05/0a75f8c33d99-update3-japan-govt-oks-bill-to-allow-1st-abdication-of-emperor-in-200-yrs.html?phrase=emperor%20akihito&words=Emperor,Akihito,emperor%27s,emperor,Akihito%27s |website=Kyodo News+ |access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>
*19 May: [[Third Abe Cabinet#Second reshuffled cabinet|Third Abe Cabinet (Second Reshuffle)]] introduces the [[Emperor Abdication Law|Emperor abdication bill]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=NEWS |first1=KYODO |title=Japan gov't OKs bill to allow 1st abdication of emperor in 200 yrs |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/05/0a75f8c33d99-update3-japan-govt-oks-bill-to-allow-1st-abdication-of-emperor-in-200-yrs.html?phrase=emperor%20akihito&words=Emperor,Akihito,emperor%27s,emperor,Akihito%27s |website=Kyodo News+ |access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref>
*2 June: The abdication bill passes the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]] (Lower House).<ref name="abdicationbillpass">{{cite news |title=Japan passes bill allowing emperor to abdicate for 1st time in 200 years into law |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |website=Mainichi Daily News |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505044522/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*2 June: The abdication bill passes the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]] (Lower House of the [[National Diet]]).<ref name="abdicationbillpass">{{cite news |title=Japan passes bill allowing emperor to abdicate for 1st time in 200 years into law |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |website=Mainichi Daily News |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505044522/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*9 June: The abdication bill passes the [[House of Councillors (Japan)|House of Councillors]] (Upper House).<ref name="abdicationbillpass" />
*9 June: The abdication bill passes the [[House of Councillors]] (Upper House of the National Diet).<ref name="abdicationbillpass" />
*November: The Cabinet suggests that 30 April 2019 will be a good date.
*November: The Cabinet suggests that 30 April 2019 will be an appropriate date of abdication.
*1 December: The [[Imperial Household Council]], which has not met in a quarter century, does so and approves the date suggested.<ref>{{cite web |last1=INC |first1=SANKEI DIGITAL |title=【天皇陛下譲位】宮内庁が１２月１日の皇室会議の議事概要を公表 |url=https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |website=産経ニュース |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=ja |date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505041850/https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Agency didn't keep full record of talks to decide abdication date：The Asahi Shimbun |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |website=The Asahi Shimbun |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505045923/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*1 December: The [[Imperial Household Council]], which has not met in a quarter century, does so and approves the date suggested.<ref>{{cite web |last1=INC |first1=SANKEI DIGITAL |title=【天皇陛下譲位】宮内庁が１２月１日の皇室会議の議事概要を公表 |url=https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |website=産経ニュース |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=ja |date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505041850/https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Agency didn't keep full record of talks to decide abdication date：The Asahi Shimbun |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |website=The Asahi Shimbun |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505045923/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*8 December: The Cabinet approves the date, authorizing the creation of an "imperial transition committee" to oversee the ceremonies involved, with [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] as chairman.<ref name="nikkei.com">{{cite web |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |title=Japanese emperor's abdication ceremony to be state occasion |date=20 February 2018 |website=asia.nikkei.com/ |access-date=4 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063246/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |archive-date=5 March 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*8 December: The Cabinet approves the date, authorizing the creation of an "imperial transition committee" to oversee the ceremonies involved, with [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] as chairman.<ref name="nikkei.com">{{cite web |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |title=Japanese emperor's abdication ceremony to be state occasion |date=20 February 2018 |website=asia.nikkei.com/ |access-date=4 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063246/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |archive-date=5 March 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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*20 February: Preliminary paper on official ceremonials issued stating that the abdication will be a state occasion.<ref name="nikkei.com" />
*20 February: Preliminary paper on official ceremonials issued stating that the abdication will be a state occasion.<ref name="nikkei.com" />
*3 April: White Paper on official ceremonials is issued by the committee.<ref name="auto" />
*3 April: White Paper on official ceremonials is issued by the committee.<ref name="auto" />
*23 December: The final celebration of the Akihito's birthday as emperor.
*23 December: The final celebration of [[The Emperor's Birthday|Akihito's birthday as the Emperor]].


=== 2019 ===
=== 2019 ===
*8 January: 30th Anniversary Jubilee begins with commemoration ceremonies for the Emperor Shōwa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|title=Thirtieth anniversary of father's death commemorated by Emperor Akihito|first=Amy Eloise|last=KellyReporter|date=9 January 2019|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113063022/http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Start of official farewell celebrations for Emperor Akihito.
*8 January: 30th Anniversary Jubilee begins with commemoration ceremonies for the [[Emperor Shōwa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|title=Thirtieth anniversary of father's death commemorated by Emperor Akihito|first=Amy Eloise|last=KellyReporter|date=9 January 2019|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113063022/http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Start of official farewell celebrations for Emperor Akihito.
*14 February: A survey was listed out for suggestions about Naruhito's era name.<ref>https://japantoday.com/category/have-your-say/what-are-your-suggestions-for-the-new-era-name-to-be-announced-by-the-japanese-government-on-april-1-sensible-answers-only-please {{dead link|date=April 2019|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
*14 February: A survey was listed out for suggestions about Naruhito's era name.<ref>https://japantoday.com/category/have-your-say/what-are-your-suggestions-for-the-new-era-name-to-be-announced-by-the-japanese-government-on-april-1-sensible-answers-only-please {{dead link|date=April 2019|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
*24 February: Jubilee celebrations at the [[National Theatre of Japan|National Theater]].<ref name="japantimes.co.jp" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|title=Emperor Akihito, soon to abdicate, urges Japan to build 'sincere'...|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 February 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|via=www.reuters.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321150622/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|archive-date=21 March 2019|url-status=live|last1=Sieg|first1=Linda}}</ref>
*24 February: 30th Jubilee of Akihito celebrations at the [[National Theatre of Japan|National Theater]].<ref name="japantimes.co.jp" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|title=Emperor Akihito, soon to abdicate, urges Japan to build 'sincere'...|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 February 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|via=www.reuters.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321150622/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|archive-date=21 March 2019|url-status=live|last1=Sieg|first1=Linda}}</ref>
*25 February: The [[Imperial Household Agency]] announces that Akihito and Michiko's [[English language|English]] titles upon abdication will be ''His Imperial Majesty'' The Emperor Emeritus and ''Her Imperial Majesty'' The Empress Emerita, respectively.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | title=Japan's Emperor Akihito to be addressed with 'emeritus' after abdication | newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] | date=26 February 2019 | access-date=13 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043501/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | archive-date=6 March 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*25 February: The [[Imperial Household Agency]] announces that Akihito and Michiko's [[English language|English]] titles upon abdication will be ''His Imperial Majesty'' The Emperor Emeritus and ''Her Imperial Majesty'' The Empress Emerita, respectively.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | title=Japan's Emperor Akihito to be addressed with 'emeritus' after abdication | newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] | date=26 February 2019 | access-date=13 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043501/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | archive-date=6 March 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*12 March: Traditional private abdication ceremonies and rituals began with the ''Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi'' ceremony.
*12 March: Traditional private abdication ceremonies and rituals began with the ''Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi'' ceremony.
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*21 April: Local elections happen in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|title=calendar 2019|date=7 January 2019|website=The Japan Times|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113122438/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*21 April: Local elections happen in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|title=calendar 2019|date=7 January 2019|website=The Japan Times|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113122438/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*23 April: {{Nihongo|''Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi''|昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀}} The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, [[Hirohito|Emperor Shōwa]], at the [[Musashi Imperial Graveyard]] in [[Hachiōji]], [[Tokyo]].<ref name="firstceremolist" />
*23 April: {{Nihongo|''Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi''|昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀}} The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, [[Hirohito|Emperor Shōwa]], at the [[Musashi Imperial Graveyard]] in [[Hachiōji]], [[Tokyo]].<ref name="firstceremolist" />
*27 April: Extra Holiday: Start of Golden Week holiday season.<ref name="mainichi.jp">{{Cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180330/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c# |title=Japan to celebrate in Oct. 2019 accession of new emperor - the Mainichi |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405152932/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180330/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c# |archive-date=5 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*27 April: Extra Holiday: Start of Golden Week holiday season.<ref name="mainichi.jp">{{Cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180330/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c |title=Japan to celebrate in Oct. 2019 accession of new emperor - the Mainichi |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405152932/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180330/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c |archive-date=5 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*28 April: Extra Holiday
*28 April: Extra Holiday
*29 April: [[Shōwa Day]]
*29 April: [[Shōwa Day]]
*30 April: {{Nihongo|''Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi''|退位礼正殿の儀}} Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time during a relatively brief ceremony in the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace#Grounds|Pine Hall]] (''Matsu-no-Ma''); the ceremony also featured two of the [[Imperial Regalia of Japan|Three Sacred Treasures]], and the [[Privy Seal of Japan|Privy Seal]] and [[State Seal of Japan|State Seal]]. Akihito becomes the first [[Daijō Tennō|Jōkō]] since 1840. [[Heisei]] era comes to an end.<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan's emperor prays for peace in first abdication in 200 years|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|date=30 April 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|work=[[Reuters]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501054826/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*30 April: {{Nihongo|''Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi''|退位礼正殿の儀}} Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time during a relatively brief ceremony in the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace#Grounds|Pine Hall]] (''Matsu-no-Ma''); the ceremony also featured two of the [[Imperial Regalia of Japan|Three Sacred Treasures]], and the [[Privy Seal of Japan|Privy Seal]] and [[State Seal of Japan|State Seal]]. Akihito becomes the first [[Daijō Tennō|Jōkō]] since 1840. [[Heisei]] era comes to an end.<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan's emperor prays for peace in first abdication in 200 years|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|date=30 April 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|work=[[Reuters]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501054826/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
;Reiwa Era
;[[Reiwa era]]
*1 May: Beginning of the [[Reiwa]] era and accession date of Emperor [[Naruhito]].
*1 May: Beginning of the [[Reiwa era]] and accession date of Emperor [[Naruhito]].
**{{Nihongo|''Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi''|剣璽等承継の儀}} Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three [[Imperial Regalia of Japan]], as well as the [[Privy Seal of Japan|Privy Seal]] and [[State Seal of Japan|State Seal]]. This ceremony also takes place in the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace#Grounds|Hall of Pines]].<ref name=jteradate>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|title=Government to present new era name to Emperor and Crown Prince before April 1|work=[[The Japan Times]]|date=3 February 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054711/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|archive-date=21 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=jtaccession>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|title=Government to designate May 1, day of new Emperor's accession, as public holiday, creating 10-day Golden Week in 2019|work=[[The Japan Times]]|date=12 October 2018|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012114004/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=accessionceremony>{{cite news|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|title=Emperor to give final speech at abdication ceremony|work=[[Asahi Shimbun]]|first=Nobuhiko|last=Tajima|date=17 January 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215725/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
**{{Nihongo|''Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi''|剣璽等承継の儀}} Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three [[Imperial Regalia of Japan]], as well as the [[Privy Seal of Japan|Privy Seal]] and [[State Seal of Japan|State Seal]]. This ceremony also takes place in the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace#Grounds|Hall of Pines]].<ref name=jteradate>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|title=Government to present new era name to Emperor and Crown Prince before April 1|work=[[The Japan Times]]|date=3 February 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054711/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|archive-date=21 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=jtaccession>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|title=Government to designate May 1, day of new Emperor's accession, as public holiday, creating 10-day Golden Week in 2019|work=[[The Japan Times]]|date=12 October 2018|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012114004/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=accessionceremony>{{cite news|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|title=Emperor to give final speech at abdication ceremony|work=[[Asahi Shimbun]]|first=Nobuhiko|last=Tajima|date=17 January 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215725/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
**{{Nihongo|''Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi''|即位後朝見の儀}} in which Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people.
**{{Nihongo|''Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi''|即位後朝見の儀}} in which Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people.
Line 397: Line 173:


=== 2020 ===
=== 2020 ===
*23 February: The first celebration of Naruhito's birthday as emperor.
*23 February: The first celebration of [[The Emperor's Birthday|Naruhito's birthday as the Emperor]].
*8 November (rescheduled from 19 April): [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|Fumihito, Prince Akishino]] was promoted to kōshi (a rank equivalent to crown prince).
*8 November (rescheduled from 19 April): [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|Fumihito, Prince Akishino]] was promoted to kōshi (a rank equivalent to crown prince).


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|''Kashikodokoro-no-gi''
|''Kashikodokoro-no-gi''
|{{Nihongo2|賢所の儀}}
|{{Nihongo2|賢所の儀}}
|(1 – 3 May) Rituals by proxy to report to the sun goddess [[Amaterasu]]-ōmikami at the ''Kashiko-dokoro'' of the [[Three Palace Sanctuaries]] of the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace|Imperial Palace]] that the accession to the throne has taken place.
|(1 – 3 May) Rituals by proxy to report to the sun goddess [[Amaterasu]]-ōmikami at the ''Kashiko-dokoro'' of the [[Three Palace Sanctuaries]] of the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace|Imperial Palace]] that the accession to the throne has taken place.
|Private
|Private
|''Kashiko-dokoro'', [[Three Palace Sanctuaries]], [[Tokyo Imperial Palace]], [[Tokyo]]
|''Kashiko-dokoro'', [[Three Palace Sanctuaries]], [[Tokyo Imperial Palace]], [[Tokyo]]

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The 2019 Japanese imperial transition occurred on 30 April 2019 when the then 85-year-old Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated from the Chrysanthemum Throne after reigning for 30 years,[1] becoming the first Emperor of Japan to do so since Emperor Kōkaku in 1817. This marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era, and saw numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his eldest son and successor, Emperor Naruhito.[2] The Enthronement Ceremony took place on 22 October 2019.[3] Akihito's younger son, Prince Akishino, is his brother's heir presumptive. The ceremony cost 16.6 billion Yen.[4]

Emperor and Constitution

Background

In 2010, Emperor Akihito informed his advisory council that he would eventually like to retire from his position. However, no action was taken by senior members of the Imperial Household Agency.[5]

On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster NHK reported that the Emperor wished to abdicate in favour of his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito within a few years.[6]

Senior officials within the Imperial Household Agency denied that there was any official plan for the monarch to abdicate. A potential abdication by the Emperor would require an amendment to the Imperial Household Law, which has no provisions for such a move.[7][8]

National speech

On 8 August 2016, the Emperor gave a rare televised address, where he emphasized his advanced age and declining health;[9] this address was interpreted as an implication of his intention to abdicate.[10][11]

Legislation

Main article: Emperor Abdication Law

With the intention of the abdication now known, the Cabinet Office appointed Yasuhiko Nishimura as the Imperial Household Agency's Vice Grand Steward. In October 2016, the Cabinet Office appointed a panel of experts to debate the Emperor's abdication.[12]

In January 2017, the Lower House Budget committee began informally debating the constitutional nature of the abdication.[5]

On 19 May 2017, the bill that would allow Akihito to abdicate was issued by the Cabinet of Japan. On 8 June 2017, the National Diet passed it into law, permitting the government to begin arranging the process of handing over the position to Crown Prince Naruhito.[13] This meant the Imperial Household Law was changed for the first time since 1949. The abdication officially occurred on 30 April 2019.[14][15]

He received the title of Jōkō (上皇, Emperor Emeritus), an abbreviation of Daijō Tennō (太上天皇), upon abdicating, and his wife, the Empress, became Jōkōgō (上皇后, Empress Emerita).[16]

Imperial Household Council

On 1 December 2017, the Imperial Household Council, which had not met in 24 years, did so in order to schedule the ceremonies involved in the first such transfer of power in two centuries.[17][18]

The Imperial Household Council consists of the prime minister, the speaker and vice-speaker of the House of Representatives, the president and vice-president of the House of Councillors, the grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency, the chief justice and one justice of the Supreme Court, and two members of the Imperial family. Fumihito, Prince Akishino, the Emperor's younger son, asked to recuse himself as he would become the next Crown Prince. He was replaced by Masahito, Prince Hitachi, the Emperor's 82-year-old younger brother. The other member of the imperial family was Hitachi's wife, Hanako, Princess Hitachi.[19]

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the date was chosen to permit the old Emperor to be able to preside over the 30th anniversary Jubilee and to coincide with the Golden Week annual holiday period, turning the changeover from a period of mourning and makeshift ceremonial into a joyous, well-planned festival.[20]

Finally, on 8 December 2017, the government created a special committee to oversee the events. According to Yoshihide Suga: "It will deal with the matter properly, taking into consideration the possible impact on the people's lives."[21]

Preparations for the imperial transition, 2017–2019

The committee met for the first time in January 2018, and the following month announced that a plan called a "basic policy statement," would be released on 3 April.[22] Official farewell celebrations began with a 30th Jubilee ceremony on 12 February 2019, a delay which would avoid any implication of a celebration of the death of the Emperor Shōwa on 7 January.[23]

Golden Week, 2019

The government consolidated the Golden Week into a special ten-day holiday block lasting from 27 April to 6 May. Even without the imperial transition, 29 April and 3–6 May were scheduled as national holidays in 2019, following the weekend of 27–28 April. To mark the imperial transition, the government determined that abdication and enthronement would both be national holidays. Japanese law states that a regular work day sandwiched between two national holidays becomes a public holiday.[24]

Calendars

Further information: Japanese era name and Reiwa
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press.

Since the Meiji Restoration in 1867, a new Japanese Era starts the day after the death of old emperor. However, in Emperor Akihito's case, manufacturers of calendars, forms, and other paper products needed to know the new Era's name in advance to produce wares in a timely manner.[25][26][5]

While the Era names for the Shōwa and Heisei eras were kept state secrets until the deaths of the previous emperors, that was not possible in this case, because an abdication is unprecedented since the 1889 Meiji Constitution was adopted. In order to prevent divisive debate on the subject, delaying the announcement as late as is practically possible, either the old Emperor's birthday or his Jubilee celebrations had been suggested.[27]

Until the Era name became known, computers and software manufacturers needed to test their systems before the transition in order to ensure that the new era will be handled correctly by their software. Some systems provided test mechanisms to simulate a new era ahead of time.[28]

The new Era name, Reiwa (令和), was revealed on 1 April 2019 by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga during a televised press conference.[29]

Enthronement Ceremony

Emperor Naruhito during the Enthronement Ceremony

The Enthronement Ceremony for Emperor Naruhito took place in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on 22 October 2019, marking the end of the transition period. It was an extra holiday.[30] It was attended by current and former Japanese politicians and more than 3,000 other official guests, which included more than 120 heads of state and government, as well as high-profile delegates from about 210 countries and territories and 9 organizations (the only country not to be invited to this ceremony was Syria).[31]

The Enthronement Ceremony began at 9 am JST (02:00 UTC) with the private "Kashikodokoro-Omae-no-gi" ritual when the Emperor, dressed in white traditional court wear, visited "Kashikodokoro," the main sanctuary in the Tokyo Imperial Palace where the Sun Goddess is said to be enshrined.[32]

At 1 pm JST (06:00 UTC), the main ceremony began. In the ceremony, Emperor Naruhito wore the sokutai and Empress Masako wore the jūnihitoe. He then took his place on the 6.5-metre (21-foot) Takamikura throne alongside Masako at the Matsu-no-Ma (Pine Hall), and gave a speech which emphasized his role as the symbol of the State.[32] The speech then followed by a congratulatory speech by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and three cheers of banzai.[33]

Guests

The ceremony was attended by representatives of around 174 countries, including foreign royalties, heads of state and government.[34][35] A state banquet hosted by Emperor Naruhito himself was organized later in the day.[36]

Japanese Imperial Family and relatives

Other descendants of Akihito
Other descendants of Emperor Shōwa
Other descendants of Emperor Taishō

Owada family

  • Hisashi and Yumiko Owada, the Empress's parents

Absentees

Post-enthronement parade

A parade to celebrate Naruhito's enthronement as Emperor took place on 10 November at 3 pm local time (06:00 UTC) as tens of thousands of people gathered in the city centre of Tokyo waving the Japanese flag. The Emperor and Empress used a Toyota Century convertible, which was followed by vehicles with Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Crown Princess Kiko as well as Shinzō Abe.[37][38]

The procession forming a 400-metre motorcade was started from Tokyo Imperial Palace, passed the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the main gate of the Diet building before arriving at the couple's residence in the Akasaka Imperial Grounds on the 4.6-kilometre-long (3-mile-long) route.[39][40]

Timeline

Heisei era

2010

Emperor Akihito informs his advisory council that he would like to abdicate eventually and asks for their help in arranging this.

2016

  • July: Emperor Akihito leaks to the press his wishes to abdicate.
  • 13 July: NHK reports his wishes to the public.
  • 8 August: The Emperor makes address to the public on television and radio implying the above wish.[41]
  • September: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appoints a committee to investigate the legal ramifications of a possible abdication.

2017

2018

  • January: The committee meets for the first time.
  • 20 February: Preliminary paper on official ceremonials issued stating that the abdication will be a state occasion.[46]
  • 3 April: White Paper on official ceremonials is issued by the committee.[22]
  • 23 December: The final celebration of Akihito's birthday as the Emperor.

2019

  • 8 January: 30th Anniversary Jubilee begins with commemoration ceremonies for the Emperor Shōwa.[47] Start of official farewell celebrations for Emperor Akihito.
  • 14 February: A survey was listed out for suggestions about Naruhito's era name.[48]
  • 24 February: 30th Jubilee of Akihito celebrations at the National Theater.[23][49]
  • 25 February: The Imperial Household Agency announces that Akihito and Michiko's English titles upon abdication will be His Imperial Majesty The Emperor Emeritus and Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Emerita, respectively.[50]
  • 12 March: Traditional private abdication ceremonies and rituals began with the Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi ceremony.
    • Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi (賢所に退位及びその期日奉告の儀) in which Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace.[51]
    • Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi (皇霊殿神殿に退位及びその期日奉告の儀) in which Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively.
    • Jingū-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi (神宮神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に勅使発遣の儀) in which Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine, the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors to report Emperor Akihito's abdication.
  • 15 March: Traditional private abdication rituals.
    • Jingū-ni-Hohei-no-gi (神宮に奉幣の儀) Imperial messengers and priests made offerings and reported Emperor Akihito's abdication at the Ise Grand Shrine.
    • Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Hōhei-no-gi (神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に奉幣の儀) Imperial messengers and priests reported Emperor Akihito's abdication to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors.
  • 26 March: Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi (神武天皇山陵に親謁の儀) The Emperor and Empress paid respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture.[51]
  • 1 April: The new Era name is approved by the Cabinet, and is officially announced to the world by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as Reiwa (令和).[52]
  • 18 April: Jingū-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi (神宮に親謁の儀) The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture.[51]
  • 21 April: Local elections happen in Japan.[53]
  • 23 April: Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi (昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀) The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, Emperor Shōwa, at the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo.[51]
  • 27 April: Extra Holiday: Start of Golden Week holiday season.[54]
  • 28 April: Extra Holiday
  • 29 April: Shōwa Day
  • 30 April: Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi (退位礼正殿の儀) Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time during a relatively brief ceremony in the Pine Hall (Matsu-no-Ma); the ceremony also featured two of the Three Sacred Treasures, and the Privy Seal and State Seal. Akihito becomes the first Jōkō since 1840. Heisei era comes to an end.[55]
Reiwa era
  • 1 May: Beginning of the Reiwa era and accession date of Emperor Naruhito.
    • Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi (剣璽等承継の儀) Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, as well as the Privy Seal and State Seal. This ceremony also takes place in the Hall of Pines.[56][57][58]
    • Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi (即位後朝見の儀) in which Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people.
  • 2 May: Extra Holiday
  • 3 May: Constitution Memorial Day
  • 4 May: Greenery Day
  • 5 May: Children's Day
  • 6 May: Extra Holiday: End of Golden Week Celebrations.
  • 22 October: Enthronement Ceremony
    • Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi (即位礼正殿の儀) in which Emperor Naruhito proclaims the enthronement and receives felicitations from representatives of the people from at home and abroad.
  • 22, 25, 29, 31 October: Kyōen-no-gi (饗宴の儀) Court banquets to celebrate the enthronement and receive congratulations from guests.
  • 10 November (rescheduled from 22 October):[59] Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi (祝賀御列の儀) Procession to show and receive good wishes from the people by motor car.
  • 14–15 November: Daijōsai (大嘗祭)[60]

2020

Ceremonies

The following table lists abdication and enthronement ceremonies in chronological order. Private ceremonies are listed as "Private". State acts are listed as "Public".[61][62]

Date Ceremony Native Name Description Type Location
2019
12 March Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 賢所に退位及びその期日奉告の儀 Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 皇霊殿神殿に退位及びその期日奉告の儀 Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Jingū-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi 神宮神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に勅使発遣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine, the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors to report Emperor Akihito's abdication. Private Imperial Residence, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
15 March Jingū-ni-Hohei-no-gi 神宮に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests make offerings and report Emperor Akihito's abdication at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests report Emperor Akihito's abdication to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors. Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
(Emperor Jimmu)

Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Shōwa)
Tama no Misasagi (多摩陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Taishō)
Fushimi Momoyama no Misasagi (伏見桃山陵), Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Meiji)
Nochi no tsuki no wa no misasagi (後月輪東山陵), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Kōmei)

26 March Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 神武天皇山陵に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture. Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
18 April Jingū-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 神宮に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
23 April Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀 The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, Emperor Shōwa, at the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo. Private Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
30 April Taiirei-Tōjitsu-Kashikodokoro-Ōmae-no-gi 退位礼当日賢所大前の儀 Emperor Akihito reports the conduct of his abdication to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Taiirei-Tōjitsu-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 退位礼当日皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Emperor Akihito reports the conduct of his abdication to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi 退位礼正殿の儀 Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne at the Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma room (正殿松の間, "State Hall") and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time. Public Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (正殿松の間), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
1 May Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi 剣璽等承継の儀 Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, as well as the Privy Seal, and the State Seal at the Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma room (正殿松の間, "State Hall"). Public Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (正殿松の間), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi 即位後朝見の儀 Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people. Public Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (正殿松の間), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kashikodokoro-no-gi 賢所の儀 (1 – 3 May) Rituals by proxy to report to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace that the accession to the throne has taken place. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Rituals by proxies to report to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively that the accession to the throne has taken place. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
4 May (rescheduled from 26 October)[63] Gosokui-Ippan-Sanga 御即位一般参賀 Event for Emperor Naruhito to receive congratulations from the general public after the accession to the throne has taken place. Public Chōwaden Reception Hall, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
8 May Kashikodokoro-ni-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 賢所に期日奉告の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi 皇霊殿神殿に期日奉告の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den respectively. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Jingū-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi 神宮神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に勅使発遣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine, the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent late Emperors to report the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Imperial Residence, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
10 May Jingū-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 神宮に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests make offerings and report the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 神武天皇山陵及び昭和天 皇以前四代の天皇山陵に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests report the dates of the Enthronement Ceremony (即位の礼, Sokui-no-rei) and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent late Emperors. Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
(Emperor Jimmu)

Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Shōwa)
Tama no Misasagi (多摩陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Taishō)
Fushimi Momoyama no Misasagi (伏見桃山陵), Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Meiji)
Nochi no tsuki no wa no misasagi (後月輪東山陵), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Kōmei)

13 May Saiden-Tentei-no-gi 斎田点定の儀 Ceremony to select one Prefecture each from both the Yuki (悠紀, "East Region", traditionally East of Kyoto) and the Suki (主基, "Western Region", traditionally West of Kyoto) regions, where the rice from the Saiden (斎田, "rice field") to be used for the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is designated. Private Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
26 July Daijōkyū-Jichinsai 大嘗宮地鎮祭 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the land where the temporary Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) for the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) will be built. Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
26 September Saiden-Nukiho-zen-Ichinichi-Ōharai 斎田抜穂前一日大祓 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the souls of the Imperial envoys and those who harvest the rice held the day before harvest. Private Kinugawa River (鬼怒川), Takanezawa, Tochigi Prefecture and Ōigawa River (大堰川), Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture[64]
27 September Saiden-Nukiho-no-gi 斎田抜穂の儀 Ceremony to harvest the rice at the two Saiden (斎田). Private Saiden of Takanezawa, Tochigi Prefecture and Saiden of Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture
15 October Yuki-Suki-Ryō-Chihō-Shinkoku-Kyōno 悠紀主基両地方新穀供納 Ceremony to deliver the harvested rice from Saiden (斎田) at the Yuki (悠紀) and the Suki (主基) regions. Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
22 October Sokuirei-Tōjitsu-Kashikodokoro-Ōmae-no-gi 即位礼当日賢所大前の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the conduct of the Enthronement Ceremony to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-Tōjitsu-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 即位礼当日皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Emperor Naruhito reports the conduct of the Enthronement Ceremony to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den respectively. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi 即位礼正殿の儀 Emperor Naruhito proclaims his enthronement and receives felicitations from representatives of the people from at home and abroad at the Seiden (正殿, "State Hall"). Public Seiden (正殿), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Kyōen-no-gi 饗宴の儀 (22, 25, 29, 31 October) Court banquets to celebrate the enthronement and receive congratulations from guests. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
23 October Naikaku-Sōridaijin-Fusai-Shusai-Bansankai 内閣総理大臣夫妻主催晩餐会 State banquet for foreign heads of state, royals, heads of government, representatives and government officials. Public Hotel New Otani, Kioi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
8 November Jingū-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi 神宮に勅使発遣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine to make offerings and report that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) will be taking place. Private Imperial Residence, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
10 November (rescheduled from 22 October)[59] Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi 祝賀御列の儀 Procession to show and receive good wishes from the people by motor car. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo, to Akasaka Imperial Grounds (赤坂御用地), Moto-Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
12 November Daijōsai-zen-Futsuka-Gokei 大嘗祭前二日御禊 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the souls of the Emperor and Empress held two days before the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōsai-zen-Futsuka-Ōharai 大嘗祭前二日大祓 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the souls of the members of the Imperial Family and those concerned held two days before the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
13 November Daijōsai-zen-Ichinichi-Chinkon-no-gi 大嘗祭前一日鎮魂の儀 Ceremony to pray for the peace and safety of the Emperor and those concerned so that all the ceremonies related to the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) will be carried out smoothly and safely held one day before the said ceremony. Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōsai-zen-Ichinichi-Daijōkyū-Chinsai 大嘗祭前一日大嘗宮鎮祭 Ceremony to pray for the peace of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) held one day before the said ceremony. Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
14 November Daijōsai-Tōjitsu-Jingū-ni-Hōhei-no-gi 大嘗祭当日神宮に奉幣の儀 Imperial messengers and priests make offerings and report that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is taking place at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace at the Ise Grand Shrine. Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
Daijōsai-Tōjitsu-Kashikodokoro-Omike-Kyōshin-no-gi 大嘗祭当日賢所大御饌供進の儀 Rituals by proxy to report to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is to take place and to make divine oblation. Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōsai-Tōjitsu-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Hōkoku-no-gi 大嘗祭当日皇霊殿神殿に奉告の儀 Rituals by proxy to report to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology that the Daijōsai (大嘗祭) is to take place. Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daijōkyū-no-gi (Yukiden-Kyōsen-no-gi, Sukiden-Kyōsen-no-gi) 大嘗宮の儀　（悠紀殿供饌の儀・主基殿供饌の儀） The Emperor makes an offering of the rice, the sake made from this rice, millet, fish and a variety of other foods to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami and to the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at both the Yuki (悠紀) halls (14 November) and the Suki (主基) halls (15 November) of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) and partakes of it himself, giving thanks and praying for peace and abundant harvests for the country and for the Japanese people. Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
16 November Daijōsai-go-Ichinichi-Daijōkyū-Chinsai 大嘗祭後一日大嘗宮鎮祭 Ceremony to express appreciation for the peace of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) held on the day following the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Daikyō-no-gi 大饗の儀 (16, 18 November) Imperial feasts in which the Emperor offers white sake, black sake and a relish to those present and all partake together. Private Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
22 November Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Jingū-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後神宮に親謁の儀 (22, 23 November) The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Mie Prefecture
27 November Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後神宮に親謁の儀 (27, 28 November, 3 December) The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent late Emperors after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Unebi-yama no ushitora no sumi no misasagi (畝傍山東北陵), Kashihara, Nara Prefecture
(Emperor Jimmu)

Musashino no Misasagi (武藏野陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Shōwa)
Tama no Misasagi (多摩陵), Musashi Imperial Graveyard, Hachiōji, Tokyo
(Emperor Taishō)
Fushimi Momoyama no Misasagi (伏見桃山陵), Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Meiji)
Nochi no tsuki no wa no misasagi (後月輪東山陵), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
(Emperor Kōmei)

28 November Chakai 茶会 Reception held during the Emperor's visit to Kyoto for representatives of various circles in the Kinki area which has close ties with the Imperial Family since ancient times held after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyōtogyoen, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto
4 December Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Kashikodokoro-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後賢所に親謁の儀 The Emperor pays respects to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後皇霊殿神殿に親謁の儀 The Emperor pays respects to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the Amatsukami (天津神) from Takamagahara and Kunitsukami (国津神) from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den respectively after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kōrei-den and Shin-den, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Sokuirei-oyobi-Daijōsai-go-Kashikodokoro-Mikagura-no-gi 即位礼及び大嘗祭後賢所御神楽の儀 Ceremonial performance of Mi-kagura (ritual music and dance) after the Enthronement Ceremony and the Daijōsai (大嘗祭). Private Kashiko-dokoro, Three Palace Sanctuaries, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
After removal Daijōsai-go-Daijōkyū-Jichinsai 大嘗祭後大嘗宮地鎮祭 (Minor Rites) Ceremony to purify the land of the Daijōkyū Halls (大嘗宮) after they have been dismantled. Private East Gardens of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
2020
8 November, 10:55 Tokyo time[65] (rescheduled from 19 April) Rikkōshi-Senmei-no-gi 立皇嗣宣明の儀 Ceremony to proclaim Prince Akishino as Kōshi (皇嗣) (a rank equivalent to Crown Prince) and receives felicitations from representatives of the people from at home and abroad at the Imperial Palace. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Chōken-no-gi 朝見の儀 Ceremony for the Emperor and Empress to meet the Crown Prince for the first time after the proclamation ceremony. Public Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo

See also

References

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