Imperial Investiture

The Imperial Investiture (親任式, Shinninshiki) is an official inauguration ceremony whereby the Emperor of Japan formally appoints the nominated Chief Justice or the nominated Prime Minister of Japan to office.

Emperor Akihito appoints Shinzō Abe as the Prime Minister at the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda Ward, Tōkyō Metropolis on 26 December 2012. Yoshihiko Noda, outgoing Prime Minister, watches on.

During the time period of the Empire of Japan, as the Emperor was the source of executive authority, there were also investitures held for military officials. Such appointees were called the Shinninkan (親任官).