Emperor Naruhito’s Ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne

On May 1, 2019, Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, marking the beginning of the Reiwa era in Japan. This significant event followed the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito, who stepped down due to health concerns and advanced age. Emperor Akihito’s abdication was a historic moment, as he was the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in over two centuries, with the last being Emperor Kōkaku in 1817.

Context and Background

• Emperor Akihito’s Reign: Emperor Akihito ascended the throne in 1989, ushering in the Heisei era. His reign was marked by efforts to bring the imperial family closer to the Japanese people, emphasizing peace and reconciliation, particularly in the context of Japan’s wartime past.
• Abdication Decision: In August 2016, Emperor Akihito publicly expressed his desire to abdicate, citing concerns that his age and health might prevent him from fulfilling his duties. This led to the Japanese government enacting a special law in 2017 to allow his abdication, as the existing Imperial Household Law did not provide for abdication.

The Ascension Ceremony

• Ceremonial Transition: The transition of power was marked by a series of traditional ceremonies. On April 30, 2019, Emperor Akihito formally abdicated in a ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, after which the era of Heisei officially ended.
• Naruhito’s Ascension: The following day, Naruhito became the 126th emperor of Japan. His ascension ceremony was a solemn and symbolic event, attended by members of the imperial family and government officials. Naruhito pledged to fulfill his role as a symbol of the state and unity of the people, as outlined in Japan’s post-war constitution.

The Reiwa Era

• Meaning of Reiwa: The name “Reiwa” was chosen to represent the new era, translating to “beautiful harmony.” It was derived from a passage in the “Manyoshu,” an ancient collection of Japanese poetry, marking the first time an era name was taken from Japanese classical literature rather than Chinese.
• Expectations and Challenges: As emperor, Naruhito is expected to continue his father’s legacy of modernizing the imperial role while respecting tradition. His reign began amid various challenges, including Japan’s aging population, economic issues, and evolving international relations.

Historical Significance

Emperor Naruhito’s ascension and the beginning of the Reiwa era symbolize a period of continuity and change for Japan. It reflects the country’s ability to adapt its ancient traditions to contemporary realities, maintaining the imperial family’s relevance in modern society. The peaceful transition also underscores Japan’s stability and the enduring significance of the imperial institution in Japanese culture and identity.