2019 Japanese imperial transition: Difference between revisions

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Line 2: {{Use Oxford spelling\|date=October 2019}} {{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2021}} [[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]]▼ {{History of Japan\|topics\|\|image=Mt.Fuji & Tokyo SkyTree (6906783193)b.jpg \|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~~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>▼ ▲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 />▼ \| quote = When the Emperor has ill health and his condition becomes serious, I am concerned that, as we have seen in the past, society comes to a standstill and people’s lives are impacted in various ways. 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. \| source = ~~Margrethe~~Emperor IIAkihito, 2016▼ ▲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. ▲\| source = Margrethe II, 2016 \| align = right \| width = 285px }} ~~\| border = 1px~~ }}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>▼ ~~\| salign = right~~ ▲}}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 eldest son, Crown Prince [[Naruhito]], within a few years.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Japan's ailing 82-year-old emperor considers stepping down \|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428071213/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/ \|archive-date=28 April 2019 \|access-date=2019-05-04 \|publisher=USA Today \|language=en}}</ref> Line 25 ⟶ 20: 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> == Legislation == Line 46 ⟶ 41: == Preparations for the imperial transition (2017–2019) == ▲[[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 === Line 58 ⟶ 54: == 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 ~~formal~~ 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 === Line 513 ⟶ 510: == See also == {{Commons category~~\|Imperial transition of Japan in 2019~~}} * [[Chrysanthemum taboo]] * [[Daijō Tennō]] (retired Emperor) Line 530 ⟶ 527: [[Category:Abdication]] [[Category:April 2019 ~~events~~ in Japan]] [[Category:Imperial House of Japan]] [[Category:2019 in Japanese politics]]