February 2020
The Ceremonies of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty the Emperor
On October 22, 2019, His Majesty the Emperor publicly proclaimed his enthronement, and the Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi, the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall) was held, celebrated by the representatives of domestic organizations and foreign states. It was attended by 1,999 people, including the heads of the three powers and their spouses, representatives of various fields in Japan, the heads, dignitaries, and their spouses of 191 foreign states, organizations and others, and the ambassadors of foreign states to Japan.
His Majesty the Emperor proclaimed, “Having previously succeeded to the Imperial Throne in accordance with the Constitution of Japan and the Special Measures Law on the Imperial House Law, I now perform the Ceremony of Enthronement at the Seiden State Hall and proclaim my enthronement to those at home and abroad.” His Majesty continued, “I deeply reflect anew that for more than 30 years on the Throne, His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus constantly prayed for the happiness of the people and world peace, always sharing in the joys and sorrows of the people, and showing compassion through his own bearing. I pledge hereby that I shall act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people of Japan, while always wishing for the happiness of the people and the peace of the world, turning my thoughts to the people and standing by them.”
Following His Majesty’s words, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo stated, “We, the people of Japan, revere Your Majesty as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, and pledge, with new resolve, to devote our utmost efforts to create a bright future for Japan, which is peaceful and brimming with hope, in which we take pride, and create an era of culture coming into being and flourishing when people bring their hearts and minds together in a beautiful manner.”
The Kyoen-no-gi (Court Banquets after the Enthronement), which are the occasions for announcing and celebrating the enthronement, and to receive the felicitations of the guests, were held four times between October 22 and 31, 2019. They were attended by 2,021 people, including the heads, dignitaries, and their spouses of foreign states, the ambassadors of foreign states to Japan and their spouses, the heads of the three powers and their spouses, and representatives of various fields in Japan. On November 10, the Syukuga-Onretsu-no-gi (Imperial Procession by motorcar after the Ceremony of the Enthronement), was held to broadly celebrate the enthronement and receive the felicitations of the public. The parade traveled from the Imperial Palace to the Akasaka Imperial Residence, and approximately 119,000 people gathered along the roadside.
