No drums or brass bands, they haven't been (for decades) in the style of imperial Japan. Akihito abdicated at five in the afternoon with a short ceremony so simple as to be truly moving. In Matsu no Ma, the Pine Room at the heart of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the chamberlains brought the symbols of imperial power, the Sacred Treasures in boxes (a sword and a jade jewel), the state seals. Three hundred dignitaries waited for Akihito's last entry as emperor. He entered with a slow step at 5 o'clock: in a dark dress with tails; his wife Michiko followed in white. Then of Naruhito and Masako, who at midnight become the new imperial couple on the Throne of Chrysanthemum.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe advances, bows deeply and reads a speech in which he immediately recalls that under the leadership of Tenno (the emperor) there was peace for Japan; and also prosperity, despite the many natural disasters that have devastated the country in thirty years; and His Majesty comforted the people on those occasions and rejoiced with the people when there was reconstruction and growth. Less than two minutes.
The Grand Chamberlain now hands the parchment with his speech to Akihito, standing on a dais. The last as an emperor. "Today I finish my duties as an emperor ... I was fortunate to have the support of the people who saw me as the symbol of unity ... together with the empress I hope with all my heart that the new Reiwa era that begins both peaceful and fruitful, I pray for the peace and happiness of our country and the peoples of the world ». Another bow. The ceremonies take away the boxes with the Sacred Treasures and the State seals, which will be handed over to the new emperor Naruhito on May 1. Their footsteps and those of the old emperor who asked to rest and abdicate at the age of 85, still ring like bell tolls. Raining outside. Perhaps even the Sun Goddess from whom the emperors descended is a little sad for Akihito.
