Enthronement ceremony of Naruhito, the new Emperor of Japan

On the 22th of October, 2019, we can be part of a significant moment of Japanese history: the enthronement ceremony of previously Crown Prince, Naruhito, in the hope, that the new era of Reiwa continues to bring peace and harmony to Japan and the world.

 

The abdication of Emperor Akihito and the beginning of a new era

Emperor Akihito abdicated on the 30th of April this year, being the first emperor to do so since 1817. Therefore, Japan started a new era. After months of research, the name was chosen and announced in national TV on the 1st of April: Reiwa. The kanjis were for the first time chosen from Japanese characters and their meaning – agreed by most of the Japanese -represent a hopeful peace or peaceful harmony. As in Japan all official documents use dates represented by the current era (such as Heisei 5th July 13th), it was a major challenge for all companies and authorities to prepare for the transition on the 1st of May.

A day of celebration and holiday in Japan

Even though it is obvious that Crown Prince Naruhito became the new emperor of Japan, it is not completed until the enthronement ceremony takes place on the 22th of October, 2019. It is a great day for celebration for many Japanese not just because of its historic importance, but also as the date has been assigned as an extra holiday.

A small fun-fact is that the procession vehicle has also been chosen months before ceremony. As Japan takes great pride in their automotive industry it is not a surprise, that we will able to see a Japanese car rolling with the imperial couple. The car mentioned is a Toyota Century luxury convertible which was delivered to the Cabinet office in September. The procession will leave the Imperial Palace at 15:30 in the afternoon, pass by the National Diet Building, and finish at the Akasaka Estate. As there are concerns about bad weather conditions, the ceremony may be delayed to the 26th of October.

The guests of the Enthronement Ceremony

The ceremony will be attended by 5000 official guests, among them high-profile delegates of 195 countries. Besides the Japanese Imperial family, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, high-ranking diplomats and government officials, many foreign royal dignitaries and world leaders have been invited to the ceremony. Among others the guest-list include: Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada), Jean-Claude Juncker (President of the European Commission), Boris Johnson (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom), Emmanuel Macron (President of France), Vladimir Putin (President of Russia), Recep Tayyip Erdogan (President of Turkey) as well as kings, queens, princes and princesses of royal families from Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Spain, Monaco, Wales and Bhutan.

We are excited to watch the ceremony on TV and congratulate to the new emperor in advance! This era is about hope, peace and harmony with great expectations about the future. We wish the predictions and hopes will come true and Japan stays to be a beautiful and peaceful country for many years to come.