In this image made from video, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, leads three "banzai" cheers for Emperor Naruhito after he proclaimed his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne in Tokyo on Tuesday. Photo: Pool via AP
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Emperor Naruhito proclaims ascendancy to throne; pledges to fulfill his duty as symbol of the state

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By Elaine Lies and Kiyoshi Takenaka

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77 Comments
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I think traditional paper umbrellas would be more appropriate.

2 ( +12 / -10 )

Looks very lovely, but again why not it was all free to them and didn't cost them a yen.

That was all paid by the everyday working stiffs who aren't even invited to the main social. because I have yet to see truck drivers, convenient store clerks, cashiers, stockers, fishermen labors, construction workers etc at the black n white tie affairs. I thought this was a social event for the public. hmmm.

11 ( +21 / -10 )

Divine Winds, ushering in his reign, to someone it would be an omen and the future plight during his rule over Japan

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Nature can never be compelled to respect Monarchy. However an umbrella can serfice in the mean time.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

That was all paid by the everyday working stiffs who aren't even invited to the main social. because I have yet to see truck drivers, convenient store clerks, cashiers, stockers, fishermen labors, construction workers etc at the black n white tie affairs. I thought this was a social event for the public. hmmm.

a prefer a government for the people by the people, but hey, its not my country.

8 ( +16 / -8 )

A 16.3 billion yen ceremony.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

My comments keep getting deleted for asking this, but why don't they wear traditional Japanese clothing instead of Western?

12 ( +17 / -5 )

Why don't they wear traditional Japanese clothing instead of Western?

They wear clothes considered formal in Japan. Some of these have western influence.

11 ( +16 / -5 )

Let's hope he has a long and healthy reign.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

How nice to know my tax yen has been blown on meaningless ceremonies.

3 ( +19 / -16 )

why don't they wear traditional Japanese clothing instead of Western?

Even Japanese Emperor and Empress have moved with the times, as have their sunjects. Formal Kimono are simply much more troublesome than Western formal wear. Likewise, why do they now use a car? Much more practical than horses and carriage.

Anyway, welcome to the New Emperor and Empress!

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

In the midst of 3 typhoons in a row, in the old times, the Emperor would have had to beg the gods to stop this punishment to 日本列島 and her people.  The recent weather is very unusual even by Japanese standard, and in coincident with the enthronement, even looks ominous.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

How nice to know my tax yen has been blown on meaningless ceremonies.

The cost of the ceremonies are enormously crazy but it is NOT meaningless.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

As pomp and ceremony goes, they have a long way to catch up on the British!

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Ridiculous circus!

-3 ( +10 / -13 )

The longest living example of China-Japan relationship and civilization.

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

Mr Kipling, I am afraid just opposite.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

gaijintravellerToday  10:36 am JST

I think traditional paper umbrellas would be more appropriate.

yes indeed, and where is the traditional kimono etc..?

ancient tradition... are they pretending?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

National Holiday? Loose definition, everyone I know is still at work today.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

savethegaijinToday  01:09 pm JST

National Holiday? Loose definition, everyone I know is still at work today.

sure . like bees, servant always works for the royal being...

2 ( +4 / -2 )

“an umbrella can serfice in the mean time.”

Though these indeed be mean times, don’t let go of that metaphorical umbrella.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Prince Charles looking gloomy.

"Why couldn't my mummy step aside for me?"

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Cool hat

4 ( +4 / -0 )

President Nicolas Sarkozy ?

thought he was under judgment for corruption...

came to drink miso soup?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I see the US sent a very high ranking official for the event. I'm glad the Dept of Motor Vehicles was so well represented.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

What has he done to be considered to have outstanding leadership skills is off base?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Amazing ceremony

2 ( +8 / -6 )

indigoToday 01:47 pm JST

President Nicolas Sarkozy ?

thought he was under judgment for corruption...

I am also confused about the reason of his presence ...

Bolsonaro, Duterte, Lam, ... Seems like a nice bunch of people invited.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

why don't they wear traditional Japanese clothing instead of Western?

Even Japanese Emperor and Empress have moved with the times, as have their sunjects. Formal Kimono are simply much more troublesome than Western formal wear. Likewise, why do they now use a car? Much more practical than horses and carriage.

Anyway, welcome to the New Emperor and Empress!

Good afternoon Ganbare. A little bit of trivia for you on this one.

After a visit by Hirohito to the UK in the 1920's, for he rest of his life, he ordered a newspaper be brought to him every morning, breakfasted on ham and eggs every morning, and never wore a kimomo again

7 ( +9 / -2 )

It is beautiful to see. There is value greater than money in the preservation of ones cultural traditions. The more one knows about where one had come from historically, the more deeply rooted one may be. In a global society in which money is the crass king, this Japanese tradition quietly towers above the superficial worship of the Yen. Be proud of the solemn ceremonies that bind you to your ancestors.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Would you want to live like this?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Would you want to live like this?

If I was struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table, probably.

In my current position, not really.

Depends on your perspective I guess.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I see the US sent a very high ranking official for the event. I'm glad the Dept of Motor Vehicles was so well represented.

I don't think that such a department (Dept of Motor Vehicles) exists in the USA.

The US representative is part of the Presidential Administration and has the role of Transport Minister, an extremely responsible role.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

The longest living example of China-Japan relationship and civilization.

would have to agree; the throne room thing has an familiar resemblance to the forbidden cities inner sanctuary. I know many Japanese claim the Emperor is a living god but seems more like this ceremony and tradition came from China.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

So many things wrong with this whole super expensive ceremony. The funniest thing is it's paid for by tax payers who aren't allowed to be there. And elderly men throwing their arms in the the air. Demonstrating their view of how to spend tax payers money just throw it in the air. Gods appreciate that kind of action.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

I don't think that such a department (Dept of Motor Vehicles) exists in the USA.

It’s where Americans get their driving licenses. Elaine Chao is probably the least of the representatives among the foreign dignitaries.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

That structure of a throne is kept in Kyoto normally and put together from 1200 pieces transported to Tokyo by the SDF. It was made in 1913 and used in the Shōwa Heisei and Reiwa Enthronement

3 ( +3 / -0 )

what a waste of taxpayer funds.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

That structure of a throne is kept in Kyoto normally and put together from 1200 pieces transported to Tokyo by the SDF. It was made in 1913 and used in the Shōwa Heisei and Reiwa Enthronement

Thats wonderful but I still think the forbidden city, in its original state before the CCP, was much more magnificent and splendid, than anything in Japan. Even the palaces in Thailand are more beautiful, IMO.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

It's a shame the emperor's parents weren't there. Not allowed to attend, I guess, due to some archaic rule. But they are still living in the imperial palace, so they probably had to stay in their room and watch it on TV.

I wish they could have made the ceremony more modern. Why does it have to be Heian era? Imagine if the British coronations were modeled on historical ones. Prince Charles would have to dress like Henry VIII.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

The old emperor and his empress wife who are still alive cause consternation as even a god can't be in two places at once. That fact were it displayed would really upset a lot of self important old men to question their own role in life. Best to throw your hands in the air and act like you don't care.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

The Secretary of Transportation is not a particularly prestigious post; most people in the US probably could not tell you who it is or what they do at any given time. The most remarkable thing about Chao is that her family business is directly related to the activities that she's supposed to be overseeing, and she's married to Mitch McConnell, the majority leader of the Senate, which is supposed to be a separate branch of government. [Feeling the swamp drained yet?]

And for the record, the Secretary is not responsible for anything regarding driver's licenses, it is a federal post while Driver's licenses are issued by State DMVs.

Pence is clearly too busy with crises both home and abroad, many of which are self-created by the Trump Administration.

Trump didn't go because the ceremony is not about him, so why bother?

Hard to see this is anything other than a low-level snub by the US government.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

his duty as symbol of the state

LOL.

Enjoy paying for all of this people of Japan.

Also it's 2019.

At least the British Royal family makes money for the UK, in tourist dollars. Do many people visit Japan because of the Japanese emperor? I think not.

10 ( +15 / -5 )

Smartacus:

I'd go back further. Alfred the great. Make the coronation like game of thrones or have the future monarch, in bearskins and long hair and bread pull a sword from the stone.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Beard not bread. Though that would be interesting too.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I see the US sent a very high ranking official for the event.

Trump probably thought her face would fit in, plus he wanted to make a gesture to keep the wavering Moscow Mitch on his side.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

His father actually made efforts to cultivate diplomacy by admitting the imperial blood line's link to Korea.

Remains to be seen if Naruhito has the courage to concretely contribute to his stated mission.

https://amp-theguardian-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/28/japan.worlddispatch?amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15717366415104&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fworld%2F2001%2Fdec%2F28%2Fjapan.worlddispatch

3 ( +6 / -3 )

"I sincerely hope that Japan will develop further and contribute to the friendship and peace of the international community, “

Why not start with allowing children which are called “half” over here and double nationals elsewhere to attend Japanese govt. language schools where-ever they are

on this globe of ours.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

The ¥16.3 billion cost works out at ¥125 per national. Cost of a rice ball.

@zichi - Oh really? Is that all? I guess what's 16.3 billion Yen when Japan's national debt is 2.5x its GDP?

Tourists are attracted to visit the places of the imperial family.

Buckingham Palace and the British Royals are a huge drawcard for tourism to the UK. Estimates put their annual economic contribution to the UK at over £1bn.

Can't say the same for the Japanese 'emperor'.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Smartacus, “It's a shame the emperor's parents weren't there. Not allowed to attend, I guess, due to some archaic rule.”

It was reported that it was their choice not to attend, because they wanted the spotlight to stay on the new emperor and empress. Plus they are retired now and not obligated to participate in such wearying ceremonies.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@TheLongTermer

a prefer a government for the people by the people, but hey, its not my country.

Umm, about that, you should go check up on your country again. It hasn’t been by the people for the people for a while now.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Zichi - I believe you'll find that your statement - the vast majorities of Canada & Australia support the queen as head of state - to be not credible.

Recent polls over the years have seen a marked growing disinterest in the royals, with many polls putting their relevance well below 50%.

In Japan I believe a decline in the significance of the royal system to be evident, although not to the extent in the above mentioned countries.

Mainstream media in Japan would rarely if at all ask the hard direct question "Is the royal family relevant or even needed in the 21st C?", so I guess we won't know clearly - not for a long time.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

so with your anti and hate of the country then thought you would be happy but the country owns its national debt so not a major problem

@ Zichi, superbly stated. All them people who keep bringing up the Japan national debt need to realize it is not a problem at all. The Bank of Japan can simply print more money to service the debt. Very little foreign debt, so its no issue.

As for the Imperial family, it is the figurehead of Japan and respected by almost all. Helps maintain Japans stability. I am puzzled by anyones opposition to the Imperial family. Perhaps jealousy.

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

Best wishes to the Emperor!

Ignore the naysayers who have no clue as to what they talk about.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

A new era begins once again in Japan, love may he reign. Our prayers and best wishes are with him and the Royal family.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

@Zichi when I pay 125 yen for a rice ball, I get a rice ball. The only thing that anyone has received here, baring the "privileged" few who attended the Ceremony, is a pardon for 1/2 Million "petty" Criminals.... still I don't have a rice ball, nor do the Homeless people living in the Park next to the Palace....

A nice thought - (perhaps more meaningful gesture, than pardons) would possibly be post dinner event, that the left-overs were distributed to the People living in the various Parks within the vicinity of the Palace. That, would be far better than simply chucking the stuff.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

The ¥16.3 billion cost works out at ¥125 per national. Cost of a rice ball.

Tell that to the hungry kids who didn't get to eat that rice ball tonight.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

天皇陛下御即位おめでとうございます!

Congratulations to his Majesty the Emperor for ascention to the throne!

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Warmed my soul seeing the ceremony. May the Emperor and Empress live a long happy life.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Magnificent! Spectacular! It is through ceremony like this that I find Japan to be the most unique country not just in Asia, but probably the world!

Banzai!

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

As long as our neighbours are here, I am happy.

From historical point of view, Abe should kneel down. Abe should also not wear the western suit.

I shouldn't be too picky, because most Japanese don't know the history anymore.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

zichi said "But I would prefer to see the end of all monarch systems."

Why ? based on which laws ?

Monarch systems are also civilization, and all forms of civilizations should be respected. No one civilization is better than others, they are all equal.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Staggering that in the 21st century this kind of thing still goes on... and that citizens are forced to pay for it all....

4 ( +7 / -3 )

China is people's China

No it's not. It's the CCP's China. The people never chose the CPP, and did not elect any of the officials. Winnie the Xi is dictator for life, and the people will never have a say.

Not only is China not the people's China, the people of China are getting screwed by the government. The CCP is the enemy of the people. Just ask anyone whose family member was "disappeared" (though their organs live on after being sold to others).

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Jandworld:

Why not start with allowing children which are called “half” over here and double nationals elsewhere to attend Japanese govt. language schools where-ever they are

on this globe of ours.

Those are two different things. "Half" refers to genetic makeup and "double national" is a legal status. Not all "halfs" have double nationality, and not all double nationals are mixed race. And of course when double nationals have Japanese citizenship, they attend Japanese govt. school. Just what are you complaining about?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@ u_s__reamerOct. 22  06:22 pm JST

I see the US sent a very high ranking official for the event.

Trump probably thought her face would fit in, plus he wanted to make a gesture to keep the wavering Moscow Mitch on his side.

You probably forgot "quid pro quo". Trump is banking on Moscow Mitch for no vote in senate when the impeachment inquiry passes in congress. Mitch probably wanted some legacy picture before he retires. He will sell anything to attain his goal. Like he sold the American people to the tobacco industries in exchange for HUGE Campaign Contributions. Moscow Mitch got Trump's back now and Trump thought this already. This is Sceptical.'s take on McConnell's coming here.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Zichi - thanks for your reply.

I'm sorry but your original statement is not clear in meaning.

Now I get it - the "both countries" you refer to are Britain & Japan, in which royals enjoy popularity.

And the last referendum 20+ years ago was a farce. More up to date surveying shows a real decline in interest with the royals.

Individually they are mostly liked, but the system is thought of to be irrelevant by many. I believe similar sentiments will grow here in Japan.

The people themselves are nice, but the system is archaic.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Is Japan a constitutional monarchy?

Anyway, congratulations!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

CaptDingleheimerOct. 22  11:20 am JST

My comments keep getting deleted for asking this, but why don't they wear traditional Japanese clothing instead of Western?

The Japanese, including the Emperor and Imperial Family, have been wearing suits and dresses for about 150 years. Might as well as consider them traditional by now.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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