Japan not to start discussion on Imperial succession until December

November 15, 2019

Tokyo--The Japanese government has no plans to start discussion on ways to ensure stable Imperial succession at least until December, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Friday.

"We can't hear opinions from Imperial Palace officials until a series of events is complete," Suga told a press conference, referring to ceremonies related to Emperor Naruhito's enthronement.

The final enthronement-related event is set for Dec. 4, when Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will worship at all three sanctuaries at the Imperial Palace.

Suga did not say whether the government will wait until after the "Rikkoshi-no-Rei" ceremony in April next year to proclaim Crown Prince Akishino's rise to first in line to the throne.

A special law enacted in 2017 allowing the abdication of then Emperor Akihito has a supplementary resolution calling on the government to start discussion on Imperial succession early after the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito on May 1.

The government had previously planned to start the discussion after Emperor Naruhito performed the "Daijosai" grand thanksgiving ceremony from Thursday to Friday.

There are only three eligible heirs to the throne. Crown Prince Akishino, 53, the younger brother of the Emperor, is followed by Prince Hisahito, 13, the Crown Prince's only son, and Prince Hitachi, the 83-year-old uncle of the Emperor. Jiji Press