Japan Abdication and Accession

Japan always had this tradition of the appointment of an emperor. It is a tradition of the early era, which came up from the 7th century BCE, that the role of an emperor in Japan needs to be followed by a particular personality. Emperor Jimmu was the first emperor of Japan, and he laid certain rules and regulations that are still being followed by every emperor appointed. As far as the abdication of the throne is considered, Emperor Akihito was one of the first emperors of Japan in the most likely 200 years, who abdicated the throne to his heir Naruhito. 

Japan Abdication

The abdication is defined as the retirement of the Emperor of Japan from his duties, responsibilities and the throne. Abdication is considered one of the critical situations where the emperor decides to leave his throne to someone else for several reasons. Emperor Akihito is the Emperor of Japan and has decided to abdicate his throne to his heir. Special legal permission was granted to Emperor Akihito to abdicate the throne. The reason for this retirement is the declining health of Emperor Akihito. Therefore, after the retirement of Emperor Akihito, his son, Naruhito, will hold the position and the role of the Emperor in Japan. 

Role of the Emperor in Japan

An emperor’s role in Japan depends on cabinet decisions; however, the emperor is considered the head of the country. Still, it does not hold adequate political power. Therefore, the outcome of this power comes to the point where the primary role of an emperor in Japan is mainly Over the ceremonial part of the duties and responsibilities, Which includes the meeting and the proper relationship management among the dignitaries of foreign countries. Attending public events and cultural occasions comes under the emperor’s duties. As per the cabinet decision, certain constitutional powers are held by the hands of the emperor, which include dissolving the House of Representatives, appointing prime ministers, and publishing several treaties and laws.

The First Emperor of Japan

The Emperor of Japan had been a representative and a unique state position, which denoted a supreme power of responsibilities and duties. This emperorship of Japan started from the early era of the 7th century BCE. The first Emperor of Japan was known to be a legendary personality, and he was also known as Jimmu-Tenno. He set the rules and responsibilities for the emperors of Japan, and his reign lasted from 600 BCE to 585 BCE. After Emperor Jimmu, there have been 125 emperors in Japan. Emperor Naruhito is the 126th emperor of Japan who currently holds the throne.

The Enthronement Ceremony

The enthronement ceremony is one of the special occasions held in Japan when a new emperor is appointed. This particular day is also announced as a holiday, as several delegates, political members, and politicians must attend this ceremony. The enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito was held in Tokyo, and approximately 3000 guests were invited to this ceremony. These guests included the head of state, high-profile delegates, governmental officials, political members, etc. And overall, more than 200 territories and countries were involved in this enthronement ceremony, and certain organisations were also invited.

Nomenclature of the Calendars

It is a custom and tradition of Japan to name the era of every emperor. Therefore, the Japanese calendar was named after the emperor, and the calendar’s name was changed after the retirement or death of the previous emperor. Emperor Akihito ruled for 31 years, his era was named Heisei, and the last year of his emperorship was termed Heisei 31. After his abdication, Emperor Naruhito came into power, and his era was named Reiwa. 

Conclusion

The Emperorship in Japan had been a tradition since the 7th century BCE. The first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, laid down several rules and regulations that needed to be followed by every proceeding emperor to maintain the state’s economic, political and social balance. However, the abdication of the throne for Emperor Akihito became necessary because of his declining health. Therefore, the retirement of this emperor gave rise to his son, Naruhito, to hold the throne and become the 126th Emperor of Japan. The role of an emperor in Japan is limited to traditional and cultural duties. However, the emperor undertook several political issues based on the cabinet’s decision.