2019 Japanese imperial transition

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| quote = The practice in the Imperial Family has been that the death of the Emperor called for events of heavy mourning, continuing every day for two months, followed by funeral events which continue for one year. These various events occur simultaneously with events related to the new era, placing a very heavy strain on those involved in the events, in particular, the family left behind. It occurs to me from time to time to wonder whether it is possible to prevent such a situation.

| source = Emperor Akihito, 2016

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In 2010, Emperor Akihito informed his advisory council that he would eventually like to retire from his position. However, no action was taken by senior members of the Imperial Household Agency.{{cite web|url=http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|title=Do Not Let the Emperor's Abdication Be an Occasion for Cynical Political Gain – JAPAN Forward|date=11 May 2017|website=Japan-forward.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224094226/http://japan-forward.com/do-not-let-the-emperors-abdication-be-an-occasion-for-cynical-political-gain/|archive-date=24 December 2017|url-status=live}}

On 13 July 2016, national broadcaster NHK reported that the Emperor wished to abdicate in favour of his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, within a few years.{{Cite web |title=Japan's ailing 82-year-old emperor considers stepping down |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428071213/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/08/07/after-shock-japan-warms-up-to-emperors-possible-abdication/88361562/ |archive-date=28 April 2019 |access-date=2019-05-04 |publisher=USA Today |language=en}}

Senior officials within the Imperial Household Agency denied that there was any official plan for the monarch to abdicate. A potential abdication by the Emperor would require an amendment to the Imperial Household Law, which has no provisions for such a move.{{cite news|url=http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |title=天皇陛下 「生前退位」の意向示される ("His Majesty The Emperor Indicates His Intention to 'Abdicate'") |publisher=NHK |language=ja |date=13 July 2016 |access-date=13 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713100512/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20160713/k10010594271000.html |archive-date=13 July 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|title=Japanese Emperor Akihito 'wishes to abdicate'|work=BBC News|date=13 July 2016|access-date=17 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410170615/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36784045|archive-date=10 April 2019|url-status=live}}

On 8 August 2016, the Emperor gave a rare televised address, where he emphasized his advanced age and declining health;{{cite web|url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detailEn/12#41|title=Message from His Majesty The Emperor|date=8 August 2016|publisher=The Imperial Household Agency|access-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808085753/http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detailEn/12#41|archive-date=8 August 2016|url-status=live}} this address was interpreted as an implication of his intention to abdicate.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37007106|title=Japan's Emperor Akihito hints at wish to abdicate|work=BBC News|date=8 August 2016|access-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428131517/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37007106|archive-date=28 April 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|title=The Emperor's Abdication: Sixteen Months of Muted Conflict – JAPAN Forward|date=9 December 2017|website=Japan-forward.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113062247/http://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|archive-date=13 January 2018|url-status=live}}

{{main|Emperor Abdication Law}}

With the intention of the abdication now known, the Cabinet Office appointed Yasuhiko Nishimura as the Imperial Household Agency's Vice Grand Steward. In October 2016, the Cabinet Office appointed a panel of experts to debate the Emperor's abdication.{{Cite web|url=https://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|title=The Emperor's Abdication: Sixteen Months of Muted Conflict|date=2017-12-08|website=Japan Forward|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123759/https://japan-forward.com/the-emperors-abdication-sixteen-months-of-muted-conflict/|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}

In January 2017, the Lower House Budget committee began informally debating the constitutional nature of the abdication.

On 19 May 2017, the bill that would allow Akihito to abdicate was issued by the Cabinet of Japan. On 8 June 2017, the National Diet passed it into law, permitting the government to begin arranging the process of handing over the position to Crown Prince Naruhito.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40168983 |title=Japan passes landmark bill for Emperor Akihito to abdicate |work=BBC News |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428095632/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40168983 |archive-date=28 April 2019 |url-status=live }} This meant the Imperial Household Law was changed for the first time since 1949. The date of the abdication was set for 30 April 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/01/national/emperors-abdication-date-confirmed-april-30-2019/|title=Japan sets date for Emperor Akihito's abdication as April 30, 2019|first=Tomohiro|last=Osaki|date=1 December 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111194457/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/01/national/emperors-abdication-date-confirmed-april-30-2019/|archive-date=11 January 2018|url-status=live}}

On 1 December 2017, the Imperial Household Council, which had not met in 24 years, did so in order to schedule the ceremonies involved in the first such transfer of power in two centuries.{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|title=April 30 most likely date for Emperor Akihito's abdication: government sources|date=22 November 2017|newspaper=The Japan Times|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009212730/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/22/national/government-meet-dec-1-discuss-emperors-abdication-date/#.WhrhVhNSwnU|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|title=Gov't to hold meeting Dec 1 to discuss emperor's abdication date|website=Japan Today|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121234535/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/emperor-could-abdicate-either-in-march-or-april-of-2019-sources|archive-date=21 November 2017|url-status=live}}

The Imperial Household Council consists of the prime minister, the speaker and vice-speaker of the House of Representatives, the president and vice-president of the House of Councillors, the grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency, the chief justice and one justice of the Supreme Court, and two members of the Imperial family. Fumihito, Prince Akishino, the Emperor's younger son, asked to recuse himself as he would become the next Crown Prince. He was replaced by Masahito, Prince Hitachi, the Emperor's 82-year-old younger brother. The other member of the imperial family was Hitachi's wife, Hanako, Princess Hitachi.{{Cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171201/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c|title=Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019|date=2017-12-01|work=Mainichi Daily News|access-date=2019-05-04|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504194854/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171201/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c|archive-date=4 May 2019|url-status=live}}

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that the date was chosen to permit the old Emperor to be able to preside over the 30th anniversary Jubilee and to coincide with the Golden Week annual holiday period, turning the changeover from a period of mourning and makeshift ceremonial into a joyous, well-planned festival.{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|title=Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019|website=Japantoday.com|date=December 2017 |access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203224525/https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Emperor-Akihito-to-abdicate-on-April-30-2019|archive-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live}}

Finally, on 8 December 2017, the government created a special committee to oversee the events. According to Suga, it would "deal with the matter properly, taking into consideration the possible impact on the people's lives."{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/special-panel-set-formally-approve-emperor-akihitos-abdication-date-april-30-2019/|title=Special panel set to formally approve Emperor Akihito's abdication date as April 30, 2019|date=5 December 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202204303/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/05/national/special-panel-set-formally-approve-emperor-akihitos-abdication-date-april-30-2019/|archive-date=2 February 2018|url-status=live}}

File:Yoshihide Suga announcing new imperial era Reiwa 2 (cropped).jpg Yoshihide Suga announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press]]

The committee met for the first time in January 2018, and the following month announced that a plan called a "basic policy statement" would be released on 3 April.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/04/e64cce3b9a66-govt-approves-plan-for-imperial-succession-rites-next-year.html|title=Basic plan for Japan's imperial succession rites in 2019 approved by gov't|first=KYODO|last=NEWS|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405090635/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/04/e64cce3b9a66-govt-approves-plan-for-imperial-succession-rites-next-year.html|archive-date=5 April 2018|url-status=live}} Official farewell celebrations began with a 30th Jubilee ceremony on 12 February 2019, a delay which would avoid any implication of a celebration of the death of the Emperor Shōwa on 7 January.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/15/national/government-pencils-february-2019-ceremony-mark-emperors-30-years-chrysanthemum-throne/|title=Government pencils in February 2019 ceremony to mark Emperor's 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne|date=15 February 2018|via=Japan Times Online|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090320/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/15/national/government-pencils-february-2019-ceremony-mark-emperors-30-years-chrysanthemum-throne/|archive-date=19 February 2018|url-status=live}}

{{more|Japanese era name|Reiwa}}Since the Meiji Restoration in 1867, a new Japanese era starts the day after the death of the previous emperor. However, in Emperor Akihito's case, manufacturers of calendars, forms, and other paper products needed to know the new era's name in advance to produce wares in a timely manner.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|title=Big headache for calendar publishers if new Emperor's era name announcement delayed|date=14 June 2017|website=Japantimes.co.jp|access-date=6 January 2018|via=Japan Times Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204224433/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/06/14/national/big-headache-calendar-publishers-new-emperors-era-name-announcement-delayed/|archive-date=4 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|title=Japan's Heisei Emperor Departs, Taking his Calendar – Asia Sentinel|date=7 December 2017|website=Asiasentinel.com|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003325/https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/japan-heisei-emperor-akihito-departs/|archive-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live}}

While the era names for the Shōwa and Heisei eras were kept state secrets until the deaths of the previous emperors, that was not possible in this case, because an abdication had been unprecedented since the 1889 Meiji Constitution was adopted. In order to prevent divisive debate on the subject, delaying the announcement as late as was practically possible{{Snd}}either the old Emperor's birthday or his jubilee celebrations{{Snd}}had been suggested.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/17/national/japan-may-defer-announcement-new-era-name-year-end-later/|title=Japan may delay release of new era name until year-end or later|date=17 February 2018|via=Japan Times Online|access-date=4 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063804/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/17/national/japan-may-defer-announcement-new-era-name-year-end-later/|archive-date=5 March 2018|url-status=live}}

Until the era name became known, computers and software manufacturers needed to test their systems before the transition in order to ensure that the new era would be handled correctly by their software. Some systems provided test mechanisms to simulate a new era ahead of time.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/shawnste/2018/04/12/the-japanese-calendars-y2k-moment/|title=The Japanese Calendar's Y2K Moment|date=12 April 2018 |access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622005137/https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/shawnste/2018/04/12/the-japanese-calendars-y2k-moment/|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}}

The new era name, {{Nihongo|Reiwa|令和}}, was revealed on 1 April 2019 by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga during a televised press conference.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |title=Japan names new imperial era 'Reiwa,' a symbol of the country's hopes for the future |last=Denyer |first=Simon |date=2019-04-01 |newspaper=The Washington Post|language=en-US |access-date=2019-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402195337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-japan-reiwa-becomes-the-new-name-for-a-new-era-under-a-new-emperor/2019/04/01/8e60752c-5430-11e9-a047-748657a0a9d1_story.html |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=live }}

File:退位礼正殿の儀―平成31年4月30日.webm

On 30 April 2019, the Emperor formally announced his abdication during a ceremony at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.{{cite news |date=30 April 2019 |title=Japan's Emperor Akihito abdicates |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501003243/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48020703 |archive-date=1 May 2019 |access-date=1 May 2019 |work=BBC News}} Akihito formally ceased to be emperor at midnight JST on the night between 30 April and 1 May, which heralded the beginning of the Reiwa era.{{Cite news |last=McCurry |first=Justin |date=2019-05-01 |title=Japan welcomes new emperor Naruhito as Reiwa era begins |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/01/japan-reiwa-naruhito-emperor |access-date=2024-12-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} He received the title of {{Nihongo|Jōkō|上皇|extra=Emperor Emeritus}}, an abbreviation of {{Nihongo|Daijō Tennō|太上天皇}}, upon abdicating, and his wife, the Empress, became {{Nihongo|Jōkōgō|上皇后|extra=Empress Emerita}}.{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208190111/http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004115774 |archive-date=8 December 2017 |access-date=8 December 2017}} The formal accession ceremony of Emperor Naruhito took place the following morning.

The government consolidated the Golden Week into a special ten-day holiday block lasting from 27 April to 6 May. Even without the imperial transition, 29 April and 3–6 May were scheduled as national holidays in 2019, following the weekend of 27–28 April. To mark the imperial transition, the government determined that the abdication and enthronement would both be national holidays. Japanese law states that a regular work day sandwiched between two national holidays becomes a public holiday.{{cite web |date=6 December 2017 |title=Plan ahead: Japan to consider 10 consecutive days off around Crown Prince's succession |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/06/national/japan-mulls-10-consecutive-days-off-around-crown-princes-succession/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107185322/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/12/06/national/japan-mulls-10-consecutive-days-off-around-crown-princes-succession/ |archive-date=7 January 2018 |access-date=6 January 2018 |website=Japantimes.co.jp}}

{{See also|List of guests at the enthronement of Naruhito}}File:Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito 2.png

The enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito took place at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on 22 October 2019, marking the end of the transition period. It was an extra holiday.{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/genre/society/l10784/|title=Japan May Make New Emperor's Proclamation Date Nonworking Day (News)|date=13 February 2018|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313162339/https://www.nippon.com/en/genre/society/l10784/|archive-date=13 March 2018|url-status=live}} It was attended by roughly 2,000 dignitaries, including heads of state and government and representatives of around 174 countries.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-20 |title=Japan ready for Naruhito's enthronement, but postpones procession |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3033580/typhoon-hagibis-casts-cloud-over-japanese-emperor-naruhitos |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2019-10-18 |title=Factbox: Hundreds of dignitaries to attend as Japan's emperor declares enthronement |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-japan-emperor-enthronement-factbox-idINKBN1WX18K |access-date=2023-05-07 |work=Reuters |language=en}}

The ceremony began at 9 am JST (02:00 UTC) with the private {{Nihongo|2=賢所大前の儀|3=Kashikodokoro-Ōmae-no-gi}} ritual when the Emperor, dressed in white traditional court wear, visited the Kashiko-dokoro, the main sanctuary in the Tokyo Imperial Palace where the Sun Goddess is said to be enshrined.{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/723/|title=Imperial enthronement ceremony as it happened|date=22 October 2019|publisher=NHK World|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022131436/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/723/|archive-date=22 October 2019|url-status=live}}

At 1 pm JST (06:00 UTC), the main portion of the ceremony began. Emperor Naruhito wore the sokutai and Empress Masako wore the jūnihitoe. They took their places on the 6.5-metre (21-foot) Takamikura throne at the Matsu-no-Ma (Pine Hall), and the Emperor gave a speech which emphasized his role as the symbol of the State. The speech then followed by a congratulatory speech by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and three cheers of banzai.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191022/news/310229949/|title=Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascends Chrysanthemum Throne|date=22 October 2019|work=Daily Herald|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025070450/https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20191022/news/310229949/|archive-date=25 October 2019|url-status=live}} A state banquet hosted by the new Emperor was organized later in the day.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-22 |title=Washoku delicacies served at banquet after emperor's ceremony |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/10/bebd59cf73c3-washoku-delicacies-served-at-banquet-after-emperors-ceremony.html |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Kyodo News+}}

A parade to celebrate Naruhito's enthronement as Emperor took place on 10 November at 3 pm local time (06:00 UTC) as tens of thousands of people gathered in the city centre of Tokyo waving the Japanese flag. The Emperor and Empress used a Toyota Century convertible, which was followed by vehicles with Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Crown Princess Kiko as well as Shinzō Abe.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|title=IN PHOTOS: Japanese Emperor Naruhito's enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Kyodo News|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093331/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/11/d98e3770aa6f-in-photos-japanese-emperor-naruhitos-enthronement-parade.html|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|title=Japan's imperial couple draws thousands for enthronement parade|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Nikkei Asian Review|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110100554/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Japan-s-imperial-couple-draws-thousands-for-enthronement-parade|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}

The procession forming a 400-metre motorcade was started from Tokyo Imperial Palace, passed the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the main gate of the Diet building before arriving at the couple's residence in the Akasaka Imperial Grounds on the 4.6-kilometre-long (3-mile-long) route.{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|title=Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako parade in Tokyo to commemorate enthronement|date=10 November 2019|publisher=Mainichi Shimbun|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215065418/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191110/p2g/00m/0na/027000c|archive-date=15 December 2019|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|title=Japan emperor greets public in parade marking enthronement|date=10 November 2019|last=Yamaguchi|first=Mari|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093317/https://apnews.com/e15fd3500daa4587b8b4f3bef63c1090|archive-date=10 November 2019|url-status=live}}

;Heisei era

Emperor Akihito informs his advisory council that he would like to abdicate eventually and asks for their help in arranging this.

• July: Emperor Akihito leaks to the press his wishes to abdicate.
• 13 July: NHK reports his wishes to the public.
• 8 August: The Emperor makes address to the public on television and radio implying the above wish.{{cite web |title=Message from His Majesty The Emperor|url=https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/okotoba/detailEn/12 |website=Imperial Household Agency |access-date=20 September 2023 |date=8 August 2016}}
• September: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appoints a committee to investigate the legal ramifications of a possible abdication.

• 12 January: Public debate on abdication in the House of Representatives Budget committee.
• 11 May: A report of a joint committee of the National Diet recommends a one-off bill to facilitate the first imperial abdication in two centuries.
• 19 May: Third Abe Cabinet (Second Reshuffle) introduces the Emperor abdication bill.{{cite web |last1=NEWS |first1=KYODO |title=Japan gov't OKs bill to allow 1st abdication of emperor in 200 yrs |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2017/05/0a75f8c33d99-update3-japan-govt-oks-bill-to-allow-1st-abdication-of-emperor-in-200-yrs.html?phrase=emperor%20akihito&words=Emperor,Akihito,emperor%27s,emperor,Akihito%27s |website=Kyodo News+ |access-date=5 May 2019}}
• 2 June: The abdication bill passes the House of Representatives (Lower House of the National Diet).{{cite news |title=Japan passes bill allowing emperor to abdicate for 1st time in 200 years into law |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |website=Mainichi Daily News |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |date=9 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505044522/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170609/p2a/00m/0na/013000c |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}
• 9 June: The abdication bill passes the House of Councillors (Upper House of the National Diet).
• November: The Cabinet suggests that 30 April 2019 will be an appropriate date of abdication.
• 1 December: The Imperial Household Council, which has not met in a quarter century, does so and approves the date suggested.{{cite web |last1=INC |first1=SANKEI DIGITAL |title=【天皇陛下譲位】宮内庁が１２月１日の皇室会議の議事概要を公表 |url=https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |website=産経ニュース |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=ja |date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505041850/https://www.sankei.com/politics/news/171208/plt1712080017-n1.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Agency didn't keep full record of talks to decide abdication date：The Asahi Shimbun |url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |website=The Asahi Shimbun |access-date=5 May 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505045923/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201812130062.html |archive-date=5 May 2019 |url-status=live }}
• 8 December: The Cabinet approves the date, authorizing the creation of an "imperial transition committee" to oversee the ceremonies involved, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as chairman.{{cite web |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |title=Japanese emperor's abdication ceremony to be state occasion |date=20 February 2018 |website=asia.nikkei.com/ |access-date=4 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305063246/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Japanese-emperor-s-abdication-ceremony-to-be-state-occasion |archive-date=5 March 2018 |url-status=dead }}

• January: The committee meets for the first time.
• 20 February: Preliminary paper on official ceremonials issued stating that the abdication will be a state occasion.
• 3 April: White Paper on official ceremonials is issued by the committee.
• 23 December: The final celebration of Akihito's birthday as the Emperor.

• 8 January: 30th Anniversary Jubilee begins with commemoration ceremonies for the Emperor Shōwa.{{cite web|url=http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|title=Thirtieth anniversary of father's death commemorated by Emperor Akihito|first=Amy Eloise|last=KellyReporter|date=9 January 2019|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113063022/http://royalcentral.co.uk/international/japan/thirtieth-anniversary-of-fathers-death-commemorated-by-emperor-akihito-113918|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}} Start of official farewell celebrations for Emperor Akihito.
• 14 February: A survey was listed out for suggestions about Naruhito's era name.https://japantoday.com/category/have-your-say/what-are-your-suggestions-for-the-new-era-name-to-be-announced-by-the-japanese-government-on-april-1-sensible-answers-only-please {{dead link|date=April 2019|fix-attempted=yes}}
• 24 February: 30th Jubilee of Akihito celebrations at the National Theater.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|title=Emperor Akihito, soon to abdicate, urges Japan to build 'sincere'...|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 February 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|via=www.reuters.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321150622/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor-jubilee-idUSKCN1QD084|archive-date=21 March 2019|url-status=live|last1=Sieg|first1=Linda}}
• 25 February: The Imperial Household Agency announces that Akihito and Michiko's English titles upon abdication will be His Imperial Majesty The Emperor Emeritus and Her Imperial Majesty The Empress Emerita, respectively.{{cite news | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | title=Japan's Emperor Akihito to be addressed with 'emeritus' after abdication | newspaper=The Japan Times | date=26 February 2019 | access-date=13 March 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043501/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/25/national/japans-emperor-akihito-addressed-emeritus-abdication/ | archive-date=6 March 2019 | url-status=live }}
• 12 March: Traditional private abdication ceremonies and rituals began with the Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi ceremony.
• {{Nihongo|Kashikodokoro-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi|賢所に退位及びその期日奉告の儀}} in which Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the sun goddess Amaterasu-ōmikami at the Kashiko-dokoro of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace.{{cite news |title=Emperor performs 1st ceremony associated with abdication |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190312/p2a/00m/0na/014000c |website=Mainichi Daily News |access-date=23 March 2019 |language=en |date=12 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323160230/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190312/p2a/00m/0na/014000c |archive-date=23 March 2019 |url-status=live }}
• {{Nihongo|Kōreiden-Shinden-ni-Taii-oyobi-sono-Kijitsu-Hōkoku-no-gi|皇霊殿神殿に退位及びその期日奉告の儀}} in which Emperor Akihito reports his abdication to the Ancestral Spirits of the Imperial Family from one year after their death and the {{Nihongo|Amatsukami|天津神}} from Takamagahara and {{Nihongo|Kunitsukami|国津神}} from Japanese mythology at the Kōrei-den and Shin-den of the Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace respectively.
• {{Nihongo|Jingū-Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Chokushi-Hakken-no-gi|神宮神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に勅使発遣の儀}} in which Imperial messengers and priests are sent to the Ise Grand Shrine, the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors to report Emperor Akihito's abdication.
• 15 March: Traditional private abdication rituals.
• {{Nihongo|Jingū-ni-Hohei-no-gi|神宮に奉幣の儀}} Imperial messengers and priests made offerings and reported Emperor Akihito's abdication at the Ise Grand Shrine.
• {{Nihongo|Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-oyobi-Shōwa-Tennō-izen-Yondai-no-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Hōhei-no-gi|神武天皇山陵及び昭和天皇以前四代の天皇山陵に奉幣の儀}} Imperial messengers and priests reported Emperor Akihito's abdication to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu, and the mausoleums of the 4 most recent Emperors.
• 26 March: {{Nihongo|Jinmu-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi|神武天皇山陵に親謁の儀}} The Emperor and Empress paid respects at the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture.
• 1 April: The new Era name is approved by the Cabinet, and is officially announced to the world by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as {{Nihongo|Reiwa|令和}}.{{cite news | url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/01/04/national/politics-diplomacy/name-japans-next-imperial-era-announced-april-1-abe-confirms/ | title=Name of Japan's next Imperial era to be announced April 1, Abe confirms | newspaper=The Japan Times | date=4 January 2019 | access-date=4 January 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104155928/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/01/04/national/politics-diplomacy/name-japans-next-imperial-era-announced-april-1-abe-confirms/ | archive-date=4 January 2019 | url-status=live }}
• 18 April: {{Nihongo|Jingū-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi|神宮に親謁の儀}} The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture.
• 21 April: Local elections happen in Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|title=calendar 2019|date=7 January 2019|website=The Japan Times|access-date=12 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113122438/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/calendar-2019/|archive-date=13 January 2019|url-status=live}}
• 23 April: {{Nihongo|Shōwa-Tennō-Sanryō-ni-Shin'etsu-no-gi|昭和天皇山陵に親謁の儀}} The Emperor and Empress pay respects at the mausoleum of his late father, Emperor Shōwa, at the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo.
• 27 April: Extra Holiday: Start of Golden Week holiday season.{{Cite web |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180330/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c |title=Japan to celebrate in Oct. 2019 accession of new emperor - the Mainichi |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405152932/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180330/p2g/00m/0dm/039000c |archive-date=5 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}
• 28 April: Extra Holiday
• 29 April: Shōwa Day
• 30 April: {{Nihongo|Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi|退位礼正殿の儀}} Emperor Akihito announces his resignation from the throne and receives audience with the representatives of the people for the last time during a relatively brief ceremony in the Pine Hall (Matsu-no-Ma); the ceremony also featured two of the Three Sacred Treasures, and the Privy Seal and State Seal. Akihito becomes the first Jōkō since 1840. Heisei era comes to an end.{{cite news|title=Japan's emperor prays for peace in first abdication in 200 years|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|date=30 April 2019|access-date=1 May 2019|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501054826/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-emperor/japans-emperor-prays-for-peace-in-first-abdication-in-200-years-idUSKCN1S5245|archive-date=1 May 2019|url-status=live}}

;Reiwa era

• 1 May: Beginning of the Reiwa era and accession date of Emperor Naruhito.
• {{Nihongo|Kenji-tō-Shōkei-no-gi|剣璽等承継の儀}} Emperor Naruhito inherits two of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, as well as the Privy Seal and State Seal. This ceremony also takes place in the Hall of Pines.{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|title=Government to present new era name to Emperor and Crown Prince before April 1|work=The Japan Times|date=3 February 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221054711/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/02/03/national/government-present-new-era-name-emperor-crown-prince-april-1/|archive-date=21 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|title=Government to designate May 1, day of new Emperor's accession, as public holiday, creating 10-day Golden Week in 2019|work=The Japan Times|date=12 October 2018|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012114004/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/10/12/national/government-designate-may-1-day-new-emperors-accession-public-holiday-creating-10-day-golden-week-2019/|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|title=Emperor to give final speech at abdication ceremony|work=Asahi Shimbun|first=Nobuhiko|last=Tajima|date=17 January 2019|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215725/http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201901170046.html|archive-date=15 February 2019|url-status=live}}
• {{Nihongo|Sokui-go-Chōken-no-gi|即位後朝見の儀}} in which Emperor Naruhito meets for the first time with the representatives of the people.
• 2 May: Extra Holiday
• 3 May: Constitution Memorial Day
• 4 May: Greenery Day
• 5 May: Children's Day
• 6 May: Extra Holiday: End of Golden Week Celebrations.
• 22 October: Enthronement Ceremony
• {{Nihongo|Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi|即位礼正殿の儀}} in which Emperor Naruhito proclaims the enthronement and receives felicitations from representatives of the people from at home and abroad.
• 22, 25, 29, 31 October: {{Nihongo|Kyōen-no-gi|饗宴の儀}} Court banquets to celebrate the enthronement and receive congratulations from guests.
• 10 November (rescheduled from 22 October):{{cite web |title=Emperor's enthronement set to bring world to Japan |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Emperor-s-enthronement-set-to-bring-world-to-Japan |website=Nikkei Asian Review |access-date=20 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020150230/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Japan-s-Reiwa-era/Emperor-s-enthronement-set-to-bring-world-to-Japan |archive-date=20 October 2019 |url-status=live }} {{Nihongo|Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi|祝賀御列の儀}} Procession to show and receive good wishes from the people by motor car.
• 14–15 November: {{Nihongo|Daijōsai|大嘗祭}}{{cite news |quote=Yasuhiko Nishimura, vice grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency, said it will hold the Daijosai, or Grand Thanksgiving rite, on November 14 and 15, 2019 – the most important ceremony after enthronement during which the new emperor will eat rice harvested that year to appreciate the country's bounty of grain. |newspaper=South China Morning Post |title=Japan sticks with tradition and excludes female imperial family members from Crown Prince Naruhito's enthronement |date=30 March 2018 |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2139671/japan-sticks-tradition-and-excludes-female-imperial-family |access-date=5 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406041034/http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2139671/japan-sticks-tradition-and-excludes-female-imperial-family |archive-date=6 April 2018 |url-status=live }}

• 23 February: The first celebration of Naruhito's birthday as the Emperor.
• 8 November (rescheduled from 19 April): Fumihito, Prince Akishino was promoted to kōshi (a rank equivalent to crown prince).

The following table lists abdication and enthronement ceremonies in chronological order. Private ceremonies are listed as "Private". State acts are listed as "Public".{{cite web |title=Ceremonies and Rites related to the Imperial Succession |url=http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/kunaicho/koho/kohyo/pdf/syogishiki-j-e.pdf |publisher=Imperial Household Agency |access-date=13 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126205217/http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/kunaicho/koho/kohyo/pdf/syogishiki-j-e.pdf |archive-date=26 November 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Details of ceremonies and events relating to the Imperial Succession |url=https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/pdf/Details.pdf |publisher=Cabinet Public Relations Office, Cabinet Secretariat |access-date=5 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204442/https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/pdf/Details.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2019 |url-status=live }}

{{Commons category}}

• Chrysanthemum taboo
• Daijō Tennō (retired Emperor)
• Enthronement of the Japanese emperor
• Imperial House of Japan
• Japanese era name
• List of emperors of Japan

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/kunaicho/koho/kohyo/pdf/syogishiki-j-e.pdf Ceremonies and Rites related to the Imperial Succession (the Imperial Household Agency)]
• [https://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/pdf/Details.pdf Ceremonies and Rites related to the Imperial Succession (the Cabinet Public Relations Office, Cabinet Secretariat)]

Category:Abdication

Category:April 2019 in Japan

Category:Imperial House of Japan

Category:2019 in Japanese politics

Category:Japanese imperial history