From Heisei to Reiwa: Ceremonies of the Accession to the Throne

On May 1, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan acceded to the Throne, and the era name changed from Heisei to Reiwa. This marked the first imperial succession by abdication in approximately 200 years.

The most important ceremony of the Accession to the Throne is the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall), in which His Majesty the Emperor proclaims his enthronement and receives felicitations from representatives in Japan and overseas.

Japanese and foreign guests were invited to the Ceremony of the Enthronement at the Seiden held on October 22. While heads of State, envoys, their spouses, and others from 160 countries and organizations attended the Heisei imperial succession, the Reiwa imperial succession was represented by 191 countries, organizations, and others. Foreign guests also attended the Court Banquet after the Ceremony of the Enthronement and the Banquet hosted by the Prime Minister and his spouse.

With many foreign dignitaries visiting Japan, the events offered an opportunity to acquaint a wider circle of people across the globe with the linkages between the Imperial Family and the world.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (Photo: Imperial Household Agency)

Books of celebration for the new Emperor were opened at approximately 230 Japanese Embassies, Consulates, and other missions overseas.

Messages congratulating His Majesty's accession to the Throne were received from all over the world, including royal families and dignitaries with ties to the Imperial Family who signed the books of celebration.

Message from Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain (left) and the Prime Minister of Thailand signing a book of celebration at the Embassy of Japan in Thailand (right)

* Photos on page 3: Secretariat for the Ceremonies of Imperial Succession, Cabinet Office

His Majesty the Emperor proclaiming his enthronement, October 22 (left: The Imperial Throne for the Emperor; right: The August Seat of the Empress)

Imperial Palace (left is the State Hall where the Ceremony of the Enthronement at the Seiden was held)

Court Banquet after the Ceremony of the Enthronement for foreign guests, October 22

Banquet hosted by the Prime Minister and his spouse, October 23

Japanese traditional arts were performed to deepen guests' understanding of Japan's traditional culture, both at the Court Banquet after the Ceremony of the Enthronement (top) and the Banquet hosted by the Prime Minister and his spouse (bottom).

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress receiving blessings from the people during the Imperial Procession by motorcar after the Ceremony of the Enthronement, November 10

For messages from foreign dignitaries who attended the Ceremonies of the Accession to the Throne

https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/content/kansou.pdf (Japanese only)