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The abdication of His Majesty the Emperor and the enthronement of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince

April 30, 2019, will mark His Majesty the Emperor’s abdication of the throne. The Ceremony of the Abdication of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden State Hall (Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi) will take place on the same day.

The Ceremony for Inheriting the Imperial Regalia and Seals (Kenji-to-Shokei-no-gi) will take place the following day, May 1, in which the new Emperor inherits the Imperial Regalia and the State and Privy Seals upon His accession to the throne. Following this is the First Audience after the Accession to the Throne (Sokui-go-Choken-no-gi), in which the new Emperor meets with the representatives of the people of Japan.

Later in the year on October 22, the new Emperor will proclaim His enthronement at the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden State Hall (Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi) and receive felicitations from representatives from both Japan and abroad. This will be followed by the Imperial Procession Following the Ceremony of the Enthronement (Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi), in which His Majesty the Emperor travels by convertible from the Imperial Palace to His residence and receives congratulations from the general public along the way.

There will also be several Court Banquets (Kyoen-no-gi) after the Ceremony of the Enthronement on October 22, 25, 29 and 31, for His Majesty to receive congratulations from guests on His accession to the throne. Prime Minister and Mrs. Abe will also host a banquet on October 23 to thank the visiting foreign heads of state and other dignitaries for attending the Enthronement Ceremony and to foster a greater understanding of Japan by presenting displays of traditional Japanese culture.

Finally, the Ceremony for the Proclamation of the Crown Prince (Rikkoshi-no-rei) will take place on April 19, 2020, to proclaim the enthronement of His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino as the new Crown Prince.

Ceremony of the Abdication from the Throne (Schedule)
Date
Name of Ceremonies
Description
Venue
Apr 30
Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi: Ceremony of the Abdication of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall)
Ceremony to announce the abdication to the people and for the Emperor to receive in audience the representatives of the people for the last time before the abdication.
Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (State Room) Imperial Palace


Ceremonies and Event related to the Accession to the Throne (Schedule)
Date
Name of Ceremonies
Description
Venue
May 1
Kenji-to-Shokei-no-gi: Ceremony for Inheriting the Imperial Regalia and Seals
Ceremony for the Emperor to inherit the Imperial Regalia (Sword and Jewel), which are treasures inherited together with the throne, as well as the State and Privy Seals, as proof of his accession to the throne.
Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (State Room) Imperial Palace
Sokui-go-Choken-no-gi: First Audience after the Accession to the Throne
Ceremony for the Emperor to receive in audience the representatives of the people for the first time after the accession to the throne.
Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma (State Room) Imperial Palace
Oct 22
Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi: Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall)
Ceremony to proclaim the enthronement and to receive felicitations from representatives from home and abroad.
Imperial Palace
Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi: Imperial Procession by motorcar after the Ceremony of the Enthronement
Procession to show the new Emperor to the people after the Enthronement Ceremony and to receive their good wishes.
From Imperial Palace to (Akasaka Imperial Grounds)
Oct 22,25, 29,31
Kyoen-no-gi: Court Banquets after the Ceremony of the Enthronement
Court banquets to celebrate the enthronement and receive the congratulations of the guests.
Imperial Palace
Oct 23
Naikaku-Soridaijin-Fusai-Shusai-Bansankai: Banquet hosted by Prime Minister and his / her spouse
Banquet for foreign heads of State, royals, prime ministers and other representatives , etc.
Hotel New Otani


Ceremonies for Proclamation of Crown Prince (Rikkoshi-no-rei) (Schedule)
Date
Name of Ceremonies
Description
Venue
Apr 19, 2020
Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi: Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince
Ceremony to proclaim that Prince Fumihito has become the Crown Prince and for the representatives from home and abroad to express felicitations.
Imperial Palace
Choken-no-gi: First Audience

 
Ceremony for the Emperor and Empress to meet the Crown Prince for the first time after the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince.
Imperial Palace