Emperor to proclaim enthronement in ritual-bound ceremony

Why not use this money to help people affected by the typhoon?

Best wishes to the new Emperor!

Nothing screams common sence like a "ritual bound" ceremony

my condolences for being born into a ritual bound life. I feel sad for you.

Can anyone tell us who pays for all of this? Where does the money come from?

Can anyone tell us who pays for all of this? Where does the money come from?

Not from you

Can anyone tell us who pays for all of this? Where does the money come from?

From the taxpayers. This means you, if you live in Japan.

"ritual-bound ceremony" ? ceremony IS ritual. puppet-life.... but who's holding the strings? and why?

While many older Japanese and those who are followers of the royal family will find all of this interesting / exciting / memorable, the average Japanese I have spoken to, particularly younger Japanese, have absolutely no real interest in this.

I just find these sort of events to be a complete waste of time and money. Just like official state dinners, receptions and the like.

Chip Star has a point.

Since the parade was postponed until November, why not postpone the ceremony too. At least the enthronement can wait for 30 days to give respect to the casualties of typhoon 19. Missing victims were not even found YET. The throne is going nowhere. I have more respect to the former Emperor Akihito for his compassion. I wish He did not abdicate his throne.

The ceremony will be conducted in the presence of an ancient sword and jewel -- part of the imperial regalia said to have been handed down by a goddess and considered crucial evidence of an emperor's legitimacy.

"I mean, if I went 'round saying I was an emperor just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me, they'd put me away!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2c-X8HiBng

How are royal families still relevant in the 21st century?

@Alfie exactly Monty Python got it exactly. What they didn't get was offspring have to live in a ritual bound life having no say at all over what they dress in what they say can't even drive. But tax payers folk out for a ¥8billion temporary hut that has one use, then trashed.

Hang on someone has tossed a turnip at me I'm special.

They did not tell the dignitaries, that instead of watching the enthronement live in person, but on a monitor

Don't think a monitor could covey the spectacular ritual bound hat. That's impressive.

From the taxpayers. This means you, if you live in Japan.

I'm sure that monarchy had been in place long before you've migrated to Japan, Chip Star. Quite baffled as to why you're complaining over it since I bet that nobody had ever forced you to move to the country.

The government explained when making the announcement that it was because it was already so close to the date that changing it would be a major scheduling and logistic headache for the guests coming from overseas.

What just happened was a national calamity. There is always an exception to the rule. Foreign dignitaries will understand the situation and understanding is compassion. Showing some understanding will earn them respect from this country and from their citizens as well, while turning a blind eye and being disrespectful of the victims to save face will thrust the hearts and minds of the relatives of the victims and many Japanese.

If by chance, a visiting dignitary had his nation being devastated by a natural calamity, wouldn't he/she excuse himself/herself?

“turning a blind eye and being disrespectful of the victims to save face”

Thats a big assumption you’re making. Is it really correct?

This is not just me. When the topic of the discussion comes to this, many rejected the notion of having a festive ceremony and massive death on a same month. Japanese worship and give utmost respect to their dead. When someone dear passed away in the family, wedding and any other celebrations are postponed until the following year at least. We don't usually talk about these things openly in public but among friends and neighbors and at work, I can say this conversation is usual. I can not elaborate but I even heard something to do with the approaching typhoon and the ceremony.

I wish them well.