Japan to invite guests from 195 nations for events marking enthronement of new Emperor
A banquet to be hosted by Abe on Oct. 23 for the new Emperor will feature Japanese cultural performances, which will be overseen by kyogen actor Mansai Nomura.
At palace in Tokyo, Emperor Akihito starts series of succession rites ahead of abdication
The events will end with a ceremony marking the Emperor’s relinquishment of the throne at the end of April, during which he is to deliver a speech.
Public will be invited to greet Japan's new Imperial Couple on May 4, earlier than planned
The Imperial Household Agency had intended to wait until October. Now the date is set for May 4.
Prime minister to show Crown Prince Naruhito options for new Japanese era name
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later this month plans to show Crown Prince Naruhito multiple names, one of which might be chosen and used when a new Imperial era begins on May 1, government sources said Saturday. However, Abe will not seek any comment from the ...
Japan's Lower House issues congratulatory message on Emperor Akihito's 30-year reign
The House of Representatives on Tuesday issued a congratulatory message to Emperor Akihito on his 30-year reign, ahead of his abdication at the end of April, in the first such message dedicated to a particular Imperial anniversary. "We, the Japanese people, respectfully acknowledge His Majesty ...
Japan's Emperor Akihito to be addressed with 'emeritus' after abdication
Emperor Akihito will be called "emperor emeritus" and Empress Michiko "empress emerita" following his abdication in April, the Imperial Household Agency said. Their Japanese titles to be used after the abdication have already been decided as jōkō and jōkōgō, respectively. But the agency had continued discussions ...
Crown Prince ready to honor legacy in new role as next emperor
Celebrating his 59th birthday, Crown Prince Naruhito vows to follow in his parents’ footsteps when he takes the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1.
Crown Princess Masako: A symbol of Japanese women's struggles in a male-dominated society
When Rika Kayama attended a violin concert at a Tokyo music hall in February last year, she was stunned to find a certain famous face in the crowd. It was Crown Princess Masako, who had long avoided public appearances because of her battle with adjustment ...
In June 2011, three months after savage tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coastline, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako were visiting Miyagi — one of the three hardest-hit prefectures — to get a firsthand look at the gut-wrenching aftermath of the disaster and commiserate ...
Spring decorations announcement to be pushed back due to Imperial succession
The government will delay the customary April 29 announcement of those who will receive spring decorations conferred by the Emperor until after Crown Prince Naruhito's ascension to the Imperial Throne on May 1, a government source has said. It will be the first time for ...
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga to announce Japan's new era name on April 1
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga is set to announce Japan's new era name on April 1, government officials said Saturday. The government believes the new era name should be made public by its chief spokesman, the chief Cabinet secretary, sources said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has ...
Japanese government secretly weighed five dates for era name change to Heisei
How and when the current era name was selected, and whose idea it was, is kept secret over fears the information could affect future decision-marking.
