Preparations Underway for Imperial Funeral

Preparations for the Funeral of His Imperial Highness Prince Mikasa of Japan are underway with the ceremony taking place this coming Friday, 4th November at the Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.  The funeral will take the form of a “renso no go” rite, in which the late Prince’s coffin will be entombed.

In the meantime, Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have paid their respects to Prince Mikasa by visiting his residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo where a solemn ceremony in which Prince Mikasa’s body was laid in a coffin was performed.  Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino, Princess Kiko and other members of the Imperial Family were also in attendance.

Outside the residence, Books of Condolence have been made available for members of the public wishing to pay their last respects.  Thousands of people have already lined up to sign the books.

The Emperor and Empress will not attend the actual Friday’s solemn events because of Imperial tradition.  However, Their Imperial Majesties will visit Prince Makasa’s home twice more to pay their last respects.

Click on Photo’s for more images.

Filed under Japan
Tagged Emperor Akihito of Japan, Empress Michiko of Japan, Prince Mikasa of Japan.

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