EXCLUSIVE: Japan to Form Vice Minister-Led Office for Imperial Succession

July 4, 2018

Tokyo- The Japanese government plans to set up an office led by a vice minister-level official in early August to supervise preparations at ministries and agencies for ceremonies related to next year's Imperial succession, Jiji Press learned Tuesday.

In April, the cabinet adopted a basic policy outlining ceremonies for Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30, 2019, and Crown Prince Naruhito's accession to the throne on May 1 the same year.

At the new office, details for the events will be discussed based on the policy. The office, to be composed of some 25 full-time members, will be set up together by the Cabinet Secretariat and the Cabinet Office, according to government sources.

Some officials from the Imperial Household Agency may work on loan at the office to ensure close communication between them, the sources said.

As early as October this year, the government will launch a committee for the implementation of the ceremonies. The committee, to be chaired by the prime minister, will meet about once every month.

A liaison committee, to be led by the chief cabinet secretary, is slated to be established as well.

The planned new office is also expected to serve as the secretariat for the two committees, according to the sources.

According to the basic policy, "Taiirei Seiden no Gi," an abdication ceremony, will take place on the day when Emperor Akihito steps down.

On the day when Crown Prince Naruhito accedes to the throne, "Kenji to Shokei no Gi," in which the new Emperor inherits the Imperial regalia and the state and privy seals, and "Sokuigo Choken no Gi," in which he meets Japan's administrative, legislative and judicial heads for the first time, will be held.

On Oct. 22, 2019, "Sokuirei Seiden no Gi," the core ritual of enthronement ceremonies, and "Shukuga Onretsu no Gi," a celebration parade, will take place. "Kyoen no Gi" banquets will be held on the day or later.

All of the six ceremonies will be conducted as the current or incoming Emperor's acts in matters of state based on advice and approval by the cabinet under the Japanese constitution.

The preparatory organizations to be set up by the government for the Imperial succession are expected to discuss mainly the consistency of Imperial traditions and a system that recognizes the Emperor as a symbol of Japan, how to reduce the burdens of Emperor Akihito, as well as Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, and ways to simplify the ceremonies related to the abdication and enthronement. Jiji Press