Emperor Naruhito enthroned ---------------------------- Dignitaries from nearly 200 countries will attend the formal enthronement of Emperor Naruhito as the 126th ruler of the world’s oldest continuing hereditary monarchy ---------------------------- May 1, 2019: Naruhito ascends Chrysanthemum Throne after abdication of his father, Akihito ---------------------------- Enthronement Ceremony Sokuirei Seiden no gi ---------------------------- Oct 22, 13:00 (local time): Naruhito proclaims his enthronement from imperial Takamikura throne in state room of Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Empress has smaller throne, called Michodai ---------------------------- 13:30: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers congratulatory message, followed by three “banzai” cheers and firing of 21-gun military salute ---------------------------- Parade Shukuga-Onretsu-no-gi Nov 10: Emperor and Empress set out on 4.6km route through central Tokyo in custom-made Toyota Century convertible adorned with imperial chrysanthemum crests 1Couple arrives at Akasaka Imperial Residence 30 minutes later ---------------------------- Nov 14-15: Daijosai – Great Thanksgiving Ceremony – concludes key succession rituals ---------------------------- Kanmuri crown: Simple flat base with towering 60cm tail ---------------------------- Shaku: Flat ritual sceptre made of wood ---------------------------- Emperor Naruhito, 59: Ceremonial sokutai attire includes voluminous brown-gold outer robe with long, wide sleeves. Only emperor is allowed to wear this colour, and only for important rituals ---------------------------- Empress Masako, 55: Multi-layered kimono known as junihitoe, elaborate hairstyle and large golden hairpiece ---------------------------- Imperial Regalia*: Emperor takes possession of Three Sacred Treasures – sword (1), mirror (2), and gem (3) – said to have been given by Sun goddess, Amaterasu, to first emperor of Japan ---------------------------- IMPERIAL PALACE State Banquet Hall Matsu-no-Ma State Room Courtyard Reception Hall ---------------------------- Toyota Century: Seats raised and reclined at 25 degrees to give well-wishers best views ---------------------------- JAPAN TOKYO State Guest House Prime Minister’s office Akasaka Palace National Diet Building 400m 1,300ft ---------------------------- 1 2 3 ---------------------------- *Artistic impressions of regalia, which are never seen in public ---------------------------- Sources: Japanese Imperial Household, Japan Times Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images, Google Earth © GRAPHIC NEWS