Controversy over separation of state and religion in Japan rekindled after Shinto imperial rite
As Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne Wednesday, a key imperial succession ritual related to Shinto rekindled controversy over the separation of state and religion, which is stipulated in the Constitution. Shinto is a Japanese religion in which the emperor is venerated as a descendant ...
Delivering his first speech since ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne, Japan’s new emperor vowed to “act according to the Constitution” and fulfill his role as the symbol of the state.
Public hope for more of the same from their new emperor and continuing peace for Japan in Reiwa
As Emperor Naruhito assumed his new role Wednesday, people on the streets of Japan expressed hope that he will continue the legacy of peace shaped by his father.
Tokyo welcomes Japan's new Reiwa Era in festive mood with countdowns and marriages
Midnight countdowns, marriage registrations and celebratory events: People welcomed the dawning of the new imperial era, Reiwa, at various locations in Tokyo with a festive mood.
Celebrations across Japan mark start of Reiwa Era under new emperor
Many Japanese celebrated the start of the Reiwa Era on Wednesday with their family, friends and loved ones — some with newborn babies — as Shinto shrines and popular spots across the country were crowded with visitors keen to take in the festive atmosphere. About ...
Disco's not dead: Japan grooves to bubble beat for Heisei Era sayonara
Disco fans hit the dance floor and partied like it was 1989, reliving the glitz of the "bubble economy" heyday that defined the early years of the outgoing Heisei Era. Tuesday night was the last chance for nostalgic Japanese to bid sayonara to the three-decade ...
Views from Tokyo: Japan has a new emperor, but what would you do if you could be emperor for a day?
Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne on May 1, 2019, ushering in the Reiwa Era. We asked people in Tokyo what they would do if they were emperor for a day. Gregory Popelka English teacher, 26, U.S. I'd have a big party and everybody would come and ...
Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday, as the new imperial era — known as Reiwa — began following his father's abdication the previous day after three decades as emperor. The 59-year-old new emperor is expected to follow the footsteps of his father, ...
World leaders from Trump to Xi and Moon send congratulations to Japan's new emperor
Leaders around the world have offered congratulations to Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday a day after his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, abdicated. U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump sent their "profound congratulations." "We will renew the strong bonds ...
Veteran journalist Kenji Goto looks back — and forward — on Heisei and Reiwa eras
With the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne and the beginning of the Reiwa Era on Wednesday, Japan concluded the 30-year Heisei Era. Ahead of the change, The Japan Times spoke with Kenji Goto, 70, a veteran journalist who covered the death of ...
Japan's former emperor and empress to switch residences with their successors in Tokyo
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are set to vacate the Imperial Palace following Tuesday's abdication, to make way for the new emperor and his family as they hand over their public duties and look forward to leisurely days. The emperor emeritus and empress ...
Emperor Akihito abdicates with prayer for peace as Heisei Era ends
The abdication by a living Japanese monarch was the first since 1817.
