There are no records indicating that a formal ceremony took place on February 1, 2022, to mark the beginning of the reign of Crown Prince Akishino as the heir to the Japanese throne. Instead, Crown Prince Akishino’s formal investiture as the heir presumptive occurred months earlier, on November 8, 2020, during the Rikkoshi-no-rei ceremony. This was a historically significant event for Japan, affirming his position in the line of succession following his brother, Emperor Naruhito.

Context of Crown Prince Akishino’s Position

Crown Prince Akishino, born as Prince Fumihito, became heir presumptive after his brother, Emperor Naruhito, ascended to the throne on May 1, 2019. Emperor Naruhito succeeded their father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who had abdicated the previous day, marking a rare event in Japan’s history, as the position typically ends with the emperor’s death.

Rikkoshi-no-rei Ceremony on November 8, 2020

On November 8, 2020, the Rikkoshi-no-rei ceremony was held in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This ceremony acknowledged Crown Prince Akishino as the heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne. The event was originally scheduled for April 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony involved traditional rites, including the “Rikkoshi Senmei no Gi,” where Emperor Naruhito formally proclaimed his brother as the crown prince.

Significance

• Succession Line: The ceremony reinforced the stability of the Imperial succession line, amidst concerns about the declining number of male heirs within the Imperial family.
• Cultural Continuity: These traditional ceremonies are crucial for preserving Japan’s cultural heritage and the continuity of its imperial lineage, which is claimed to be the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world.

Broader Context

Japan’s imperial succession laws are extremely specific, allowing only male heirs to ascend the throne, which has prompted discussions on Imperial succession’s future, especially due to the reduced number of eligible males in the imperial family structure.