On 1st May, the new emperor will ascend the throne in Japan.
Do you know the rites of Imperial Succession?
1. 退位礼(Taiirei)正殿(Seiden)の儀(Gi)
Current Emperor makes one last public appearance as the emperor before his people before he relinquishes the throne. This is take place the day before the new emperor ascends the throne i.e. 30th April.
2. 剣璽等(Kenjito)承継(Shokei)の儀
The new emperor inherits the Three Sacred Treasures (the mirror, sword and jewel) from his predecessor.
3. 賢所(Kashidokoro)の儀 aka 皇霊殿(Koureiden)神殿(Shinden)に奉告(Houkoku)の儀
Announcing the new emperor's accession to the throne to the godess Amaterasu (in the Kashidokoro), the preceding generations of Emperors and the Imperial Family (in the Koreiden), and to all the gods and goddesses (in the Shinden).
＊Kashidokoro, Koreiden and Shinden are shrines in the Imperial Palace which house some of the gods and sacred objects. Together, the three are known as 「宮中三殿 (Kyūchū sanden aka Three Palace Sanctuaries)」
4. 即位後(Sokuigo)朝見(Chouken)の儀
The new emperor summons the Prime Minister, heads of legislature and judiciary, as well as regional government representatives to announce his accession.
5. 賢所に期日(Kijitsu)奉告の儀
When the date for the accession has been fixed, the new emperor takes the Three Sacred Treasures and reports to the Three Palace Sanctuaries
6. 即位礼当日(Tojitsu)賢所大前(Omae)の儀
On the day of enthronement, the new emperor visits the Kashikodokoro to announce the enthronement ceremony.
7. 即位礼(Sokuirei)正殿の儀
The new emperor proclaims his accession to his people and the world.
He receives words of congratulations from the Prime Minister as the representative of the people.
8. 祝賀(Shukuga)御列(Onretsu)の儀
Takes place after Sokuirei. The new emperor and empress greet the people in a parade procession.
9. 饗宴(Kyoen)の儀
The new emperor meets foreign heads of state and envoys, receiving their congratulations.
10. 一般(Ippan)参賀(Sanga)
The new Imperial Family appears before the people and receives their congratulations. The new emperor will also make a speech to express his gratitude.
References:
JINJA HONCHO - The Association of Shrines. (2018). The Imperial Succession: Miyogawari [Brochure]. Tokyo, Japan.
Do you know the rites of Imperial Succession?
1. 退位礼(Taiirei)正殿(Seiden)の儀(Gi)
Current Emperor makes one last public appearance as the emperor before his people before he relinquishes the throne. This is take place the day before the new emperor ascends the throne i.e. 30th April.
2. 剣璽等(Kenjito)承継(Shokei)の儀
The new emperor inherits the Three Sacred Treasures (the mirror, sword and jewel) from his predecessor.
3. 賢所(Kashidokoro)の儀 aka 皇霊殿(Koureiden)神殿(Shinden)に奉告(Houkoku)の儀
Announcing the new emperor's accession to the throne to the godess Amaterasu (in the Kashidokoro), the preceding generations of Emperors and the Imperial Family (in the Koreiden), and to all the gods and goddesses (in the Shinden).
＊Kashidokoro, Koreiden and Shinden are shrines in the Imperial Palace which house some of the gods and sacred objects. Together, the three are known as 「宮中三殿 (Kyūchū sanden aka Three Palace Sanctuaries)」
4. 即位後(Sokuigo)朝見(Chouken)の儀
The new emperor summons the Prime Minister, heads of legislature and judiciary, as well as regional government representatives to announce his accession.
5. 賢所に期日(Kijitsu)奉告の儀
When the date for the accession has been fixed, the new emperor takes the Three Sacred Treasures and reports to the Three Palace Sanctuaries
6. 即位礼当日(Tojitsu)賢所大前(Omae)の儀
On the day of enthronement, the new emperor visits the Kashikodokoro to announce the enthronement ceremony.
7. 即位礼(Sokuirei)正殿の儀
The new emperor proclaims his accession to his people and the world.
He receives words of congratulations from the Prime Minister as the representative of the people.
8. 祝賀(Shukuga)御列(Onretsu)の儀
Takes place after Sokuirei. The new emperor and empress greet the people in a parade procession.
9. 饗宴(Kyoen)の儀
The new emperor meets foreign heads of state and envoys, receiving their congratulations.
10. 一般(Ippan)参賀(Sanga)
The new Imperial Family appears before the people and receives their congratulations. The new emperor will also make a speech to express his gratitude.
References:
JINJA HONCHO - The Association of Shrines. (2018). The Imperial Succession: Miyogawari [Brochure]. Tokyo, Japan.
