Abe to Give Address at Imperial Succession Ceremonies

March 20, 2019

Tokyo- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will deliver an address as a representative of the people of Japan at ceremonies related to Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30 and Crown Prince Naruhito's accession to the throne the following day, the government decided Tuesday.

The decision was made at the fourth meeting of a committee, chaired by Abe, to oversee a series of ceremonies related to the Imperial succession.

"The government will make thorough preparations to ensure the ceremonies that mark our nation's historical milestone proceed smoothly," Abe said at the meeting.

At the meeting, details of the series of ceremonies to be held on April 30 and May 1 were mapped out.

The appointment of Japanese "kyogen" traditional comic play actor Nomura Mansai, 52, as the overall adviser for cultural events at a banquet on Oct. 23, to be hosted by the prime minister and his wife, was also reported to the meeting.

On April 30, the "Taiirei-Seiden-no-Gi" abdication ceremony will start at 5 p.m. (8 a.m. GMT) at the Imperial Palace, in what will be the first such ceremony to be held under Japan's constitutional politics.

Emperor Akihito will give his final speech after Abe delivers an address representing the Japanese people.

The prime minister will "express his gratitude to the Emperor on behalf of the Japanese people," a government official said.

Crown Prince Naruhito and his wife, Crown Princess Masako, will be present as traditional Imperial properties that serve as symbols of the Chrysanthemum Throne--the sacred sword and jewels--as well as the State and Privy Seals are placed on a table.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by 338 people, including the heads of the three government branches--the prime minister, the heads of both chambers of parliament, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court--as well as cabinet ministers and local government leaders.

On May 1, the "Kenji-to-Shokei-no-Gi" ceremony, in which the new Emperor will inherit the sacred sword, jewels and the State and Privy Seals, will be held from 10:30 a.m.

The ceremony will be attended by 26 people, including the heads of the three government branches and cabinet ministers.

This will be followed by the "Sokui-go-Choken-no Gi" ceremony from 11:10 a.m., in which the new Emperor will make his first speech.

After the Emperor's speech, Abe will deliver an address representing the Japanese people.

At the previous Sokui-go-Choken-no Gi in January 1989, when Emperor Akihito was enthroned, the then prime minister delivered a "hoto" (humble reply) after the Emperor's speech. But this time, since Abe will be giving an address at the abdication ceremony as well, it was decided that both of the prime minister's addresses will be treated in the same way.

The ceremony will be attended by the same 338 people who will be attending the abdication ceremony.

Meanwhile, the government will invite heads of state, celebratory envoys and their spouses, as well as ambassadors to Japan, from 195 countries that Japan recognizes, to the Oct. 22 "Sokuirei-Seiden-no-Gi" ceremony to proclaim the new Emperor's enthronement, and the "Kyoen-no-Gi" formal banquet, which will be held four times in late October.

Nomura, who is chief executive creative director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, became overall cultural adviser for the prime minister's banquet, effective Feb. 22.

Nomura was chosen for his ability to introduce Japan's traditional performing arts in an approachable manner, a government official said. Jiji Press