Pine room and a secret jewel: Japan's abdication rituals

We have been waiting all our life for this. Its a shame the ceremonies will be over so quick. Perhaps the government should stretch out the abdication and ascension ceremonies over a few months, with some more National Holidays for the extra ceremonies. More time to enjoy the occasion and all the parties!

More time to enjoy the occasion and all the parties!

Are there parties in your local area? I’ve got no real plans for GW. Where do you recommend?

The emperor does not speak in this 10-minute ceremony, which is off-limits to female royals.

Sigh. So much for progress.

The sword and jewel will be brought in boxes into the room but a third element of the regalia, a sacred mirror, never leaves its sanctuary in the palace.

It sounds a bit like the ritual most men go through when shaving.

The emperor does not speak in this 10-minute ceremony, which is off-limits to female royals.

Just the same.

Pine? Might as well go back to the pegboard. Same low quality.

I wondered why mirrors were included in three sacred objects in shinto and found the following explanation - Together with swords and jewels, mirrors have been attributed with profound religious significance and used in ritual since ancient times, based on their mysterious property of reflecting all things. (Kokugakuin University website).  Accordingly. all mikoshis in festivals have mirrors inside and all shinto shrines have mirrors in the center. I am often get shocked when I see my ugly face in a mirror reflecting inside of me.

The legend of Sun Godess, Amaterasu, and Mirror.

https://jslingerland.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/the-legend-of-amaterasu/

So, first this.

More than 300 people are expected to attend, including royals, government and parliament leaders, top judges, heads of local governments and their spouses.

But then this.

The emperor does not speak in this 10-minute ceremony, which is off-limits to female royals.

So, female guests can attend, but not not female royals.

Makes so much sense!!

So, first this.

More than 300 people are expected to attend, including royals, government and parliament leaders, top judges, heads of local governments and their spouses.

But then this.

The emperor does not speak in this 10-minute ceremony, which is off-limits to female royals.

So, female guests can attend, but not not female royals.

Makes so much sense!!

This is not the case! The overall ceremony, women are allowed to attend. The 10 minute ceremony (where the emperor doesn't speak, that also occurs in private from what I understand) does not allow female royals. Only the close male family members of the emperor are allowed to observe.