Japanese Emperor, Empress Finish Enthronement-Related Ceremonies

Tokyo, Dec. 4 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako finished a series of ceremonies related to his enthronement on Wednesday. In the morning, the couple performed the "Shinetsu-no-Gi" ceremony at the three sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in which they reported the completion of a series of "Sokui-no-Rei" enthronement-related events and the "Daijosai" grand thanksgiving ceremony. They attended the "Mikagura-no-Gi" ceremony at the Kashikodokoro Imperial sanctuary in the afternoon. The Emperor, clad in "Korozen-no-Goho" traditional Imperial ritual costume and with chamberlains holding the sword and the jewel from the Imperial Family's Three Sacred Treasures, worshipped in the ceremony. Empress Masako, in costume that resembles "junihitoe" ceremonial kimono, followed suit. The Mikagura-no-Gi ceremony was attended by six Imperial family members including Prince Akishino, and 46 others including the heads of the three branches of government. Following his accession to the throne on May 1, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako held the "Sokuirei-Seiden-no-Gi" ceremony on Oct. 22 to declare his enthronement globally and performed the Daijosai ceremony on Nov. 14-15. To perform Shinetsu-no-Gi ceremonies, the couple visited Ise Jingu, a Shinto shrine complex in the central prefecture of Mie, and the mausoleums of past emperors. END