Ceremonies Held on 30th Death Anniversary of Emperor Hirohito

January 8, 2019

Tokyo--Ceremonies were held on Monday at the tomb of Japanese Emperor Hirohito, posthumously called Emperor Showa, and the Imperial Palace on the 30th anniversary of his death.

Some 80 people, including Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko, other members of the Imperial Family and the heads of the three government branches, attended the event held at the tomb, known as "Musashino no Misasagi," in Hachioji, western Tokyo.

After making a "tamagushi" ritual offering and bowing, the Emperor read out a message asking for his father to protect the country and the people, as well as help them flourish, in "yamato kotoba" old Japanese.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, both wearing traditional clothing, carried out the "Koreiden-no-Gi" ritual held at the Imperial Palace, also in Tokyo, in place of the Emperor and Empress.

It was the first time in three years for the Crown Princess to take part in a ritual at the Imperial Palace. Jiji Press