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{{short description|Japanese imperial abdication and transition}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{History of Japan|
|caption=[[Mount Fuji]] and [[Tokyo Skytree]]
|expanded=false}}
The '''2019 Japanese imperial transition''' occurred on 30 April 2019 when the then 85-year-old [[Akihito|Emperor Akihito]] of [[Japan]] [[Abdication|abdicated]] from the [[Chrysanthemum Throne]] after reigning for 30 years,<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan's emperor thanks country, prays for peace before abdication |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-emperor-thanks-country-prays-for-peace-before-abdication |website=Nikkei Asian Review |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430112220/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-emperor-thanks-country-prays-for-peace-before-abdication |archive-date=30 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> becoming the first [[Emperor of Japan]] to do so since [[Emperor Kōkaku]] in 1817. This marked the end of the [[Heisei era]] and the inception of the [[Reiwa era]], and saw numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his eldest son and successor, Emperor [[Naruhito]].<ref>Jiji, Kyodo, [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/politics-diplomacy/emperor-akihitos-abdication-may-push-back-timing-constitutional-reform/#.Wik59oUz23U "Emperor Akihito's abdication may push back timing of constitutional reform"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807155802/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/politics-diplomacy/emperor-akihitos-abdication-may-push-back-timing-constitutional-reform/#.Wik59oUz23U |date=7 August 2018 }} ''[[The Japan Times]]'', 5 January 2017.</ref> The [[Enthronement of the Japanese emperor|Enthronement Ceremony]] took place on 22 October 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Enthronement-ceremony-for-Japan-s-next-emperor-seen-in-fall-2019|title=Enthronement ceremony for Japan's next emperor seen in fall 2019- Nikkei Asian Review|website=Asia.nikkei.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223001650/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Enthronement-ceremony-for-Japan-s-next-emperor-seen-in-fall-2019|archive-date=23 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Akihito's younger son, [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|Prince Akishino]], is his brother's [[heir presumptive]]. The ceremony cost 16.6 billion yen.<ref name="nippon.com 2019">{{cite web | title=Japan to Spend Record ¥16.6 Billion on Coronation of New Emperor | website=nippon.com | date=25 April 2019 | url=https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/c06107/japan-to-spend-record-¥16-6-billion-on-coronation-of-new-emperor.html | access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref>
== Background ==
{{quote box
| quote = The practice in the Imperial Family has been that the death of the Emperor called for events of heavy mourning, continuing every day for two months, followed by funeral events which continue for one year. These various events occur simultaneously with events related to the new era, placing a very heavy strain on those involved in the events, in particular, the family left behind. It occurs to me from time to time to wonder whether it is possible to prevent such a situation.<ref name=EmperorSpeech />
| source = Emperor Akihito, 2016
| align = right
| width = 285px
}}
In 2010, Emperor Akihito informed his advisory council that he would eventually like to retire from his position. However, no action was taken by senior members of the [[Imperial Household Agency]].<ref name="japan-forward.com">{{cite web|url=http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|title=Do Not Let the Emperor's Abdication Be an Occasion for Cynical Political Gain – JAPAN Forward|date=11 May 2017|website=Japan-forward.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224094226/http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|archive-date=24 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster [[NHK]] reported that the Emperor wished to [[Abdication|abdicate]] in favour of his
Senior officials within the [[Imperial Household Agency]] denied that there was any official plan for the monarch to abdicate. A potential abdication by the Emperor would require an amendment to the [[Imperial Household Law]], which has no provisions for such a move.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |title=天皇陛下 「生前退位」の意向示される ("His Majesty The Emperor Indicates His Intention to 'Abdicate'") |publisher=NHK |language=ja |date=13 July 2016 |access-date=13 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713100512/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |archive-date=13 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|title=Japanese Emperor Akihito 'wishes to abdicate'|work=BBC News|date=13 July 2016|access-date=17 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410170615/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|archive-date=10 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 8 August 2016, the Emperor gave a rare televised address, where he emphasized his advanced age and declining health;<ref name=EmperorSpeech>{{cite web|url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detailEn/12#41|title=Message from His Majesty The Emperor|date=8 August 2016|publisher=The Imperial Household Agency|access-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808085753/http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detailEn/12#41|archive-date=8 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> this address was interpreted as an implication of his intention to abdicate.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37007106|title=Japan's Emperor Akihito hints at wish to abdicate|work=BBC News|date=8 August 2016|access-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428131517/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37007106|archive-date=28 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japan-forward.com1">{{cite web|url=https://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|title=The Emperor's Abdication: Sixteen Months of Muted Conflict – JAPAN Forward|date=9 December 2017|website=Japan-forward.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113062247/http://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|archive-date=13 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{main|Emperor Abdication Law}}
With the intention of the abdication now known, the [[Cabinet Office (Japan)|Cabinet Office]] appointed Yasuhiko Nishimura as the Imperial Household Agency's Vice Grand Steward. In October 2016, the Cabinet Office appointed a panel of experts to debate the Emperor's abdication.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|title=The Emperor's Abdication: Sixteen Months of Muted Conflict|date=2017-12-08|website=Japan Forward|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123759/https://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2017, the Lower House Budget committee began informally debating the constitutional nature of the abdication.<ref name="japan-forward.com" />
On 19 May 2017, the bill that would allow Akihito to abdicate was issued by the [[Cabinet of Japan]]. On 8 June 2017, the [[National Diet]] passed it into law, permitting the government to begin arranging the process of handing over the position to [[Naruhito
== Imperial Household Council ==
On 1 December 2017, the [[Imperial Household Council]], which had not met in 24 years, did so in order to schedule the ceremonies involved in the first such transfer of power in two centuries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|title=April 30 most likely date for Emperor Akihito's abdication: government sources|date=22 November 2017|newspaper=[[The Japan Times]]|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009212730/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japantoday">{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|title=Gov't to hold meeting Dec 1 to discuss emperor's abdication date|website=Japan Today|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234535/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|archive-date=21 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Imperial Household Council consists of the [[Prime Minister of Japan|prime minister]], the [[
[[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] told reporters that the date was chosen to permit the old Emperor to be able to preside over the 30th anniversary Jubilee and to coincide with the [[Golden Week (Japan)|Golden Week]] annual holiday period, turning the changeover from a period of mourning and makeshift ceremonial into a joyous, well-planned festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|title=Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019|website=Japantoday.com|date=December 2017 |access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203224525/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
Finally, on 8 December 2017, the government created a special committee to oversee the events. According to
== Preparations for the imperial transition
[[File:Yoshihide Suga announcing new imperial era Reiwa 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press]]
The committee met for the first time in January 2018, and the following month announced that a plan called a "basic policy statement" would be released on 3 April.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/04/e64cce3b9a66-govt-approves-plan-for-imperial-succession-rites-next-year.html|title=Basic plan for Japan's imperial succession rites in 2019 approved by gov't|first=KYODO|last=NEWS|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405090635/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/04/e64cce3b9a66-govt-approves-plan-for-imperial-succession-rites-next-year.html|archive-date=5 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Official farewell celebrations began with a 30th Jubilee ceremony on 12 February 2019, a delay which would avoid any implication of a celebration of the death of the Emperor Shōwa on 7 January.<ref name="japantimes.co.jp">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/15/national/government-pencils-february-2019-ceremony-mark-emperors-30-years-chrysanthemum-throne/|title=Government pencils in February 2019 ceremony to mark Emperor's 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne|date=15 February 2018|via=Japan Times Online|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090320/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/15/national/government-pencils-february-2019-ceremony-mark-emperors-30-years-chrysanthemum-throne/|archive-date=19 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Calendars ===
{{more|Japanese era name|Reiwa}}Since the [[Meiji Restoration]] in 1867, a new [[Japanese era name|Japanese era]] starts the day after the death of the previous emperor. However, in Emperor Akihito's case, manufacturers of calendars, forms, and other paper products needed to know the new era's name in advance to produce wares in a timely manner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|title=Big headache for calendar publishers if new Emperor's era name announcement delayed|date=14 June 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|via=Japan Times Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204224433/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|archive-date=4 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|title=Japan's Heisei Emperor Departs, Taking his Calendar – Asia Sentinel|date=7 December 2017|website=Asiasentinel.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003325/https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|archive-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="japan-forward.com" />
The new era name, {{Nihongo|[[Reiwa]]|令和}}, was revealed on 1 April 2019 by [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] during a televised press conference.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |title=Japan names new imperial era 'Reiwa,' a symbol of the country's hopes for the future |last=Denyer |first=Simon |date=2019-04-01 |newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en-US |access-date=2019-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402195337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Imperial transition ==
[[File:退位礼正殿の儀―平成31年4月30日.webm|thumb|Livestreamed video of the abdication ceremony]]
On 30 April 2019, the Emperor formally announced his abdication during a ceremony at the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace]].<ref>{{cite news |date=30 April 2019 |title=Japan's Emperor Akihito abdicates |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501003243/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703 |archive-date=1 May 2019 |access-date=1 May 2019 |work=BBC News}}</ref> Akihito formally ceased to be emperor at midnight [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] on the night between 30 April and 1 May, which heralded the beginning of the Reiwa era.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=2019-05-01 |title=Japan welcomes new emperor Naruhito as Reiwa era begins |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/01/japan-reiwa-naruhito-emperor |access-date=2024-12-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> He received the title of {{Nihongo|Jōkō|上皇|extra=Emperor Emeritus}}, an abbreviation of {{Nihongo|[[Daijō Tennō]]|太上天皇}}, upon abdicating, and his wife, the Empress, became {{Nihongo|Jōkōgō|上皇后|extra=Empress Emerita}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208190111/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774 |archive-date=8 December 2017 |access-date=8 December 2017}}</ref> The formal accession ceremony of Emperor Naruhito took place the following morning.<ref name=":1" />
=== Golden Week, 2019 ===
The government consolidated the Golden Week into a special ten-day holiday block lasting from 27 April to 6 May. Even without the imperial transition, 29 April and 3–6 May were scheduled as national holidays in 2019, following the weekend of 27–28 April. To mark the imperial transition, the government determined that the abdication and enthronement would both be national holidays. Japanese law states that a regular work day sandwiched between two national holidays becomes a public holiday.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 December 2017 |title=Plan ahead: Japan to consider 10 consecutive days off around Crown Prince's succession |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/06/national/japan-mulls-10-consecutive-days-off-around-crown-princes-succession/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107185322/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/06/national/japan-mulls-10-consecutive-days-off-around-crown-princes-succession/ |archive-date=7 January 2018 |access-date=6 January 2018 |website=Japantimes.co.jp}}</ref>
== Enthronement Ceremony ==
{{See also|List of guests at the enthronement of Naruhito}}[[File:Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito 2.png|thumb|right|Emperor Naruhito during the Enthronement Ceremony]]
The [[Enthronement of the Japanese emperor|
The
At 1 pm
== Post-enthronement parade ==
A parade to celebrate Naruhito's enthronement as Emperor took place on 10 November at 3 pm local time (06:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]) as tens of thousands of people gathered in the city centre of Tokyo waving the Japanese flag. The Emperor and Empress used a [[Toyota Century]] convertible, which was followed by vehicles with Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Crown Princess Kiko as well as Shinzō Abe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|title=IN PHOTOS: Japanese Emperor Naruhito's enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093331/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|title=Japan's imperial couple draws thousands for enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Nikkei Asian Review|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110100554/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
The procession forming a 400-metre motorcade was started from Tokyo Imperial Palace, passed the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the main gate of the Diet building before arriving at the couple's residence in the Akasaka Imperial Grounds on the 4.6-kilometre-long (3-mile-long) route.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|title=Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako parade in Tokyo to commemorate enthronement|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215065418/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|archive-date=15 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|title=Japan emperor greets public in parade marking enthronement|date=10 November 2019|last=Yamaguchi|first=Mari|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093317/https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Timeline ==
;[[Heisei era]]
=== 2010 ===
[[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] [[Akihito]] informs his advisory council that he would like to
=== 2016 ===
* July: Emperor Akihito leaks to the press his wishes to
* 13 July: [[NHK]] reports his wishes to the public.
* 8 August: The Emperor makes address to the public on television and radio implying the above wish.<ref>{{cite web |title=
* September: [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[
=== 2017 ===
*12 January: Public debate on abdication in the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]] Budget committee.
*11 May: A report of a joint committee of the National Diet recommends a one-off bill to facilitate the first imperial abdication in two centuries.
*19 May: [[Third Abe Cabinet
*2 June: The abdication bill passes the [[House of Representatives (Japan)|House of Representatives]] (Lower House of the [[National Diet]]).<ref name="abdicationbillpass">{{cite news |title=Japan passes bill allowing emperor to abdicate for 1st time in 200 years into law |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |website=Mainichi Daily News |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505044522/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*9 June: The abdication bill passes the [[House of Councillors]] (
*November: The Cabinet suggests that 30 April 2019 will be
*1 December: The [[Imperial Household Council]], which has not met in a quarter century, does so and approves the date suggested.<ref>{{cite web |last1=INC |first1=SANKEI DIGITAL |title=【天皇陛下譲位】宮内庁が１２月１日の皇室会議の議事概要を公表 |url=https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |website=産経ニュース |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=ja |date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505041850/https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Agency didn't keep full record of talks to decide abdication date：The Asahi Shimbun |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |website=The Asahi Shimbun |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505045923/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*8 December: The Cabinet approves the date, authorizing the creation of an "imperial transition committee" to oversee the ceremonies involved, with [[Chief Cabinet Secretary]] [[Yoshihide Suga]] as chairman.<ref name="nikkei.com">{{cite web |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |title=Japanese emperor's abdication ceremony to be state occasion |date=20 February 2018 |website=asia.nikkei.com/ |access-date=4 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063246/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |archive-date=5 March 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Line 358 ⟶ 99:
*20 February: Preliminary paper on official ceremonials issued stating that the abdication will be a state occasion.<ref name="nikkei.com" />
*3 April: White Paper on official ceremonials is issued by the committee.<ref name="auto" />
*23 December: The final celebration of
=== 2019 ===
*8 January: 30th Anniversary Jubilee begins with commemoration ceremonies for the [[Emperor Shōwa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|title=Thirtieth anniversary of father's death commemorated by Emperor Akihito|first=Amy Eloise|last=KellyReporter|date=9 January 2019|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113063022/http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Start of official farewell celebrations for Emperor Akihito.
*14 February: A survey was listed out for suggestions about Naruhito's era name.<ref>https://japantoday.com/category/have-your-say/what-are-your-suggestions-for-the-new-era-name-to-be-announced-by-the-japanese-government-on-april-1-sensible-answers-only-please {{dead link|date=April 2019|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
*24 February: 30th Jubilee of Akihito celebrations at the [[National Theatre of Japan|National Theater]].<ref name="japantimes.co.jp" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|title=Emperor Akihito, soon to abdicate, urges Japan to build 'sincere'...|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 February 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|via=www.reuters.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321150622/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|archive-date=21 March 2019|url-status=live|last1=Sieg|first1=Linda}}</ref>
*25 February: The [[Imperial Household Agency]] announces that Akihito and Michiko's [[English language|English]] titles upon abdication will be ''His Imperial Majesty'' The Emperor Emeritus and ''Her Imperial Majesty'' The Empress Emerita, respectively.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | title=Japan's Emperor Akihito to be addressed with 'emeritus' after abdication | newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] | date=26 February 2019 | access-date=13 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043501/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | archive-date=6 March 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*12 March: Traditional private abdication ceremonies and rituals began with the ''Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi'' ceremony.
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*21 April: Local elections happen in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|title=calendar 2019|date=7 January 2019|website=The Japan Times|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113122438/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
*23 April: {{Nihongo|''Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi''|昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀}} The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, [[Hirohito|Emperor Shōwa]], at the [[Musashi Imperial Graveyard]] in [[Hachiōji]], [[Tokyo]].<ref name="firstceremolist" />
*27 April: Extra Holiday: Start of Golden Week holiday season.<ref name="mainichi.jp">{{Cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180330/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c
*28 April: Extra Holiday
*29 April: [[Shōwa Day]]
*30 April: {{Nihongo|''Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi''|退位礼正殿の儀}} Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time during a relatively brief ceremony in the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace#Grounds|Pine Hall]] (''Matsu-no-Ma''); the ceremony also featured two of the [[Imperial Regalia of Japan|Three Sacred Treasures]], and the [[Privy Seal of Japan|Privy Seal]] and [[State Seal of Japan|State Seal]]. Akihito becomes the first [[Daijō Tennō|Jōkō]] since 1840. [[Heisei]] era comes to an end.<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan's emperor prays for peace in first abdication in 200 years|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|date=30 April 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|work=[[Reuters]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501054826/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
;[[Reiwa
*1 May: Beginning of the [[Reiwa
**{{Nihongo|''Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi''|剣璽等承継の儀}} Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three [[Imperial Regalia of Japan]], as well as the [[Privy Seal of Japan|Privy Seal]] and [[State Seal of Japan|State Seal]]. This ceremony also takes place in the [[Tokyo Imperial Palace#Grounds|Hall of Pines]].<ref name=jteradate>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|title=Government to present new era name to Emperor and Crown Prince before April 1|work=[[The Japan Times]]|date=3 February 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054711/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|archive-date=21 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=jtaccession>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|title=Government to designate May 1, day of new Emperor's accession, as public holiday, creating 10-day Golden Week in 2019|work=[[The Japan Times]]|date=12 October 2018|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012114004/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=accessionceremony>{{cite news|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|title=Emperor to give final speech at abdication ceremony|work=[[Asahi Shimbun]]|first=Nobuhiko|last=Tajima|date=17 January 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215725/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
**{{Nihongo|''Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi''|即位後朝見の儀}} in which Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people.
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=== 2020 ===
*23 February: The first celebration of [[The Emperor's Birthday|Naruhito's birthday as
*8 November (rescheduled from 19 April): [[Fumihito, Crown Prince of Japan|Fumihito, Prince Akishino]] was promoted to kōshi (a rank equivalent to crown prince).
== Ceremonies ==
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|''Kashikodokoro-no-gi''
|{{Nihongo2|賢所の儀}}
|(1 – 3 May) Rituals by proxy to report to the sun goddess [[Amaterasu]]-ōmikami at the ''Kashiko-dokoro''
|Private
|''Kashiko-dokoro'', [[Three Palace Sanctuaries]], [[Tokyo Imperial Palace]], [[Tokyo]]
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== See also ==
{{Commons category}}
* [[Chrysanthemum taboo]]
* [[Daijō Tennō]] (retired Emperor)
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[[Category:Abdication]]
[[Category:April 2019
[[Category:Imperial House of Japan]]
[[Category:2019 in Japanese politics]]
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