The government has begun preparing to hold the Rikkoshi-no-Rei ceremonies that will proclaim Crown Prince Akishino's ascension to first in line for the throne, it has been learned.
A committee meeting is expected to be held soon to set a specific date. The ceremonies may be held as early as mid-November.
The Rikkoshi-no-Rei ceremonies are rituals for the Imperial succession and will complete the full series of events related to the Emperor's enthronement last year. They were originally scheduled for April 19, but were postponed by the government due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Now that the infection situation has stabilized, the government has concluded it would be appropriate to hold the ceremonies before winter comes, according to sources.
The scale will be reduced, including the number of invitees. The government has already decided to cancel the Kyuchu-Kyoen-no-Gi banquets that would have been attended by Japanese and foreign dignitaries.
It has been about a year and four months since the Emperor was enthroned in May last year, and there have been mounting calls within the government to carry out the Rikkoshi-no-Rei ceremonies by the end of 2020.
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