The new Japanese Era, Reiwa (????), started on May 1, 2019.

With the Abdication Ceremony happening on April 30, the new Emperor Naruhito started his reign the next day with the ceremony for Inheriting the Imperial Regalia and Seals (Kenji-to-Shokei-no-gi) where he inherits the Imperial Regalia, the State Seal and the Privy Seal upon his accession to the throne.

Following this is the First Audience after the Accession to the Throne (Sokui-go-Choken-no-gi), in which the new Emperor Naruhito meets with the representatives of the people of Japan.

The authentic Enthronement Ceremony is scheduled to occur on October 22, 2019. The new Emperor Naruhito will proclaim his enthronement at the Enthronement Ceremony at the Seiden State Hall (Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi) and receive felicitations from representatives from both Japan and abroad.

EVENTS RELATED TO THE ABDICATION FROM THE THRONE

April 30, 2019

Abdication Ceremony

Ceremony to announce the abdication to the people and for the Emperor to receive in audience the representatives of the people for the last time before the abdication.

EVENTS RELATED TO THE ACCESSION TO THE THRONE

May 1, 2019

Ceremony for Inheriting the Imperial Regalia and Seals

Ceremony for the Emperor to inherit the Imperial Regalia (Sword and Jewel), which are treasures inherited together with the throne, as well as the State and Privy Seals, as proof of his accession to the throne.

First Audience after the Accession to the Throne

Ceremony for the Emperor to receive in audience the representatives of the people for the first time after the accession to the throne.

October 22, 2019

Enthronement Ceremony

Ceremony to proclaim the enthronement and to receive felicitations from representatives from home and abroad.

Imperial Procession after the Enthronement Ceremony

Procession to show the new Emperor to the people after the Enthronement Ceremony and to receive their good wishes.