2019 Japanese imperial transition

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press

The 2019 Japanese imperial transition occurred on 30 April 2019 when the then 85-year-old Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated from the Chrysanthemum Throne after reigning for 30 years,[1] becoming the first Emperor of Japan to do so since Emperor Kōkaku in 1817. This marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era, and saw numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his eldest son and successor, Emperor Naruhito.[2] The Enthronement Ceremony took place on 22 October 2019.[3] Akihito's younger son, Prince Akishino, is his brother's heir presumptive. The ceremony cost 16.6 billion Yen.[4]

  1. ^ "Japan's emperor thanks country, prays for peace before abdication". Nikkei Asian Review. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  2. ^ Jiji, Kyodo, "Emperor Akihito's abdication may push back timing of constitutional reform" Archived 7 August 2018 at the Wayback Machine The Japan Times, 5 January 2017.
  3. ^ "Enthronement ceremony for Japan's next emperor seen in fall 2019- Nikkei Asian Review". Asia.nikkei.com. Archived from the original on 23 December 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  4. ^ "Japan to Spend Record ¥16.6 Billion on Coronation of New Emperor". nippon.com. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2023.