Emperor Naruhito Ascends to the Throne

The ritual highlighted the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito (center), accompanied by Empress Masako (right). (Wikimedia Commons)

Emperor Naruhito officially proclaimed his enthronement as Emperor of Japan in a centuries-old ceremony, known as Sokui no Rei, on October 22.

Though the emperor has held the position since May 1, this ceremony served as an official declaration of his ascension to the chrysanthemum throne. The ceremony includes rituals that have been upheld for centuries.

The ceremony began with a dramatic reveal of the Emperor and Empress sitting behind two heavy purple curtains. The two sat on adjoining ornate thrones (takamikura). Empress Masako wore a decorated white kimono while she underwent a smaller ceremony for enthronement, known as the “Sokuirei Seiden no gi.” Emperor Naruhito wore a “Korozen no goho”—a rust-colored robe reserved exclusively for emperors’ special occasions.

While wearing the same robe and standing upon the same square dais as his father once did decades ago, Emperor Naruhito read from a scroll that officially announced his enthronement and outlined his duties as emperor: “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...”

After the proclamation, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave a speech. Then, he bowed deeply and led a chant among the people: “Banzai! (Long live the emperor!)"

People cheered for the new emperor and empress as Naruhito ascended to the throne. Boxes believed to hold a sword and jewel that belonged to the first emperor of Japan were placed beside him. The ancient sword and jewel are so revered in Japanese tradition that they have never been seen in public.

In celebration of the emperor’s enthronement, more than 550,000 petty criminals were pardoned. However, the parade celebrating Naruhito’s enthronement was postponed until November 10 to honor victims of the recent typhoon.

The ceremony has drawn attention to the future of the throne. The line of succession holds few potential male heirs, and Japanese custom mandates that only men can assume the throne. A survey by NHK indicated that more than 70 percent of the general population would not be opposed to seeing a female heir take the throne, but were confused as to how the process would work within existing customs.