IHA is planning to hold the controversial Daijo-sai (大嘗祭) for the new emperor in November 2019. Since CP Naruhito is expected to become Emperor in April / May and no mourning period to observe, there is no hinderance for the Daijo-sai in the fall. [Sankei]
Emperor Akihito was enthroned on November 12, 1990. He performed the Daijo-sai on November 22-23.
AKIHITO PERFORMS HIS SOLITARY RITE - NYTimes.com
Emperor Akihito was enthroned on November 12, 1990. He performed the Daijo-sai on November 22-23.
AKIHITO PERFORMS HIS SOLITARY RITE - NYTimes.com
In two primitive thatched-roof shrines dimly lit by torches and bonfires, Emperor Akihito concluded a solitary all-night vigil of prayer and thanksgiving this morning as part of his accession to the throne, amid a continuing dispute over whether the rites transformed him into a "living god."
The ceremony, known as the daijosai, or great food-offering ritual, brought a solemn, mysterious and debate-filled conclusion to the events installing the 56-year-old Emperor
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Before the ceremony, the top Government spokesman dismissed criticism that the attendance at the Shinto rite by Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu and his Cabinet violated the separation of religion and government as provided in the Constitution.
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Indeed, the daijosai came two days after the Cabinet approved what it said was the Government's view that the ceremony was not -- as maintained by many Christian and Buddhist leaders and constitutional scholars -- a Shinto religious rite that traditionally rendered the emperor into a deity.
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After a ritual bath, the Emperor, wearing white silk robes symbolizing purification, marched solemnly surrounded by courtiers.
After his entrance, the Emperor went out of public view and, inside two shrines, offered food and rice wine to the spirit of his mythical ancestor, the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. He then consumed some of it himself while praying for the well-being of the nation and for peace on earth.
He carried out this ceremony twice, first in one specially built shrine of rough-hewn pine logs and grass mats from 6:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. Thursday, and then in another from 12:30 to 3:30 A.M. this morning.
The ceremony ended at 3:33 A.M. By then the near-freezing weather had persuaded almost a third of the spectators in a separate open building, who could only see glimmerings of the ceremony in the dark, to leave.
By contrast to the more formal enthronement ceremonies last week, no statements were made and no foreigners were allowed at the rites today, and 980 Japanese dignitaries led by Mr. Kaifu were kept in a separate room.
The Government has also drawn criticism because it budgeted about $20 million for the ceremony, insisting that it is primarily secular.
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The Socialist and Communist Parties boycotted the ceremony today, charging that it violated the constitutional ban on state support of religion.
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Left-wing opponents of the rite have firebombed several Shinto shrines in protest, causing heavy damage.
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