Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naurhito

Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naurhito

The enthronement ceremony for Emperor Naruhito took place on October 22, 2019 ().

I talked about the importance of the emperor to the Japanese in my first podcast back in May.

If you care to listen to this podcast you can do so here ().

Six months ago, Naruhito, the new emperor of Japan, received a sword, a jewel and official seals in a sacred ceremony that heralded his succession to the throne after his father, Akihito, became the first emperor to abdicate in more than 200 years.

The second ceremony which took place the other day, proclaims the new emperor before the rest of the world. 

Over 2000 guests and dignitaries from 190 countries were invited to witness this auspicious occasion, a rare once-in-a-lifetime event for these guests for certain.

Emperor Naruhito gave a short speech and this speech relays the desire of our new Emperor to continue the work of his father Emeritus Emperor Akihito to work as a symbol of peace and unity not only for the Japanese people but for all humankind.

Here is Emperor Naruhito’s speech:

Having previously succeeded to the imperial throne in accordance with the Constitution of Japan and the Special Measures Law on the Imperial House Law, I now perform the ceremony of enthronement at the Seiden State Hall and proclaim my enthronement to those at home and abroad.

I deeply reflect anew that for more than 30 years on the throne, his majesty the emperor emeritus constantly prayed for the happiness of the people and world peace, always sharing in the joys and sorrows of the people, and showing compassion through his own bearing. 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.

I sincerely hope that our country, through our people’s wisdom and unceasing efforts, achieves further development and contributes to the friendship and peace of the international community and the welfare and prosperity of humankind.

I sincerely hope these guest will return to their own countries with a renewed sense of duty towards the betterment of their own countries and the welfare for the citizens in the context of a harmonious global community.

In my next podcast, I discuss the roots of Japan, and shed more light on this enigmatic society and how it was formulated to become the most misunderstood society in our world.