Enthronement Enthronement of the Japanese Emperor

takamikura used enthronement.



banzai banner used during enthronement ceremony.

the second part of ceremony, called sokui-rei , enthronement ritual itself; last such ceremony held in 1990 current sovereign, akihito. ancient rite traditionally held in kyoto, former capital of japan, in 1990, emperor akihito enthroned in tokyo. 1990 enthronement first covered on television, , have imperial guards in traditional uniforms. done indoors, elevated stand placed inside imperial palace complex. part of ritual public, , regalia seen emperor , few shinto priests. account in time magazine enthronement of emperor akihito s father hirohito in 1928 reveals few details: first came three-hour ceremony in new emperor ritually informed ancestors had taken throne. followed enthronement itself, took place in enclosure called takamikura, containing great square pedestal upholding 3 octagonal pedestals topped simple chair. surrounded octagonal pavilion curtains, surmounted great golden phoenix. @ same time, empress of japan, in full dress regalia, moved separate pedestal beside husband s. traditional drums were, @ point of ceremony, beaten start proceddings.

the new emperor proceeded chair, after being seated, kusanagi, yasakani no magatama, privy seal , state seal placed on stands next him. simple wooden sceptre presented emperor, faced prime minister standing in adjacent courtyard, representing japanese people. emperor offered address announcing accession throne, calling upon subjects single-mindedly assist him in attaining of aspirations. prime minister replied address promising fidelity , devotion, followed 3 cheers of banzai of present. timing of last event precisely synchronized, japanese around world join in banzai shout @ precisely moment being offered in kyoto or in tokyo.

this moment of rite ends firing of 21-gun salute japan self-defense force.