Japan Abdication/Accession (April/May 2019)

There are a bunch of little private ceremonies over this period. There is info on that in the press release. This post will cover the more major events.

For the schedule of events for The Enthronement (October 2019) & Proclamation of Crown Prince (April 2020), see Japan - Main Page.

Press Releases

• Ceremonies and Rites related to the Accession to the Throne (More detailed)
• Ceremonies for Abdication & Accession (Shorter)
• English Titles and Basic words relating to the Imperial Succession

April 30th 

• Emperor Akihito - Announce his abdication from the throne at Imperial Palace
• Speech
• Emperor Akihito - Hold audience with the representatives for the last time
• Heisei period comes to an end

May 1st

• Emperor Naruhito - Accession ceremony at Imperial Palace
• Receive two of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, as well as the Privy Seal, and the State Seal at the Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma room 
• Speech
• Emperor Naruhito - Receive the three heads of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), acting as representatives of the people
• Reiwa period begins.

May 4th

• Balcony appearance by Imperial family at Imperial Palace
• 6 appearances, every hour (10:00 AM - 3:00 AM )
• (Details)

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