A historic event for Japan as its newest emperor, Naruhito, formally took the throne in an acient ceremony which has survived centuries. Such a momumental moment for the country of Japan, naturally a lot of royals attended to pay their respects. ‘A LOT’.
Taking place in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Naruhito’s enthronement was comprised of a number of rituals, as is tradition. The enthronement itself as actually the second stage of a year long process to welcome in a new emperor. The first step, which took place in May after the abdication of his father, Naruhito was shown the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, a right only reserved for the emperor.
Secondly is the enthronement itself known as Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi. It is here the emperor’s role is formalised and he gives a speech to Japan.
“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 … proclaim my enthronement to those at home and abroad,” he declared at the enthronement ceremony, which was attended by around 2,000 dignitaries from some 180 countries and regions.
Daijō-sai is the final stage, a festival in which the emperor is united with the sun-goddess Amaterasu, marking him as one of the most sacred people in Japan, worthy of rule.
Naruhito’s enthronement stands as one of the most royalty-packed events of recent times. Take a look below:
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain
Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark and his wife Crown Princess Mary
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium
Prince Albert of Monaco
Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales
King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Queen Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah of Malaysia
