New Emperor’s Birthday
Feb 23 marked the 59th birthday of Crown Prince Naruhito. Naruhito is scheduled to ascend to the throne May 1, 2019, the day after his father, Akihito will abdicate. We will be in Japan for these historic events.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190223_01/
The Modern Japanese constitution defines the Japanese emperor is a symbol of the state, and the head of the Shinto religion. The emperor / imperial family are believed to be descendants of Emperor Jimmu, the first mythical emperor of Japan, who was a descendant of Ameterasu, the Sun Goddess who is believed to have created Japan. We will learn more about Shinto religion, the Japanese creation myth, and their connection to the Japanese Emperor when we visit the Ise shrine in Mie Prefecture.
Akihito will be the first emperor to abdicate the throne.
+Image from alliance/Kyodo