Kiyoshi Takenaka

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s New Emperor Naruhito is set to announce his enthronement to the world next week in a centuries-old ceremony attended by about 2,500 people, including heads of state and other dignitaries from nearly 200 countries.

Naruhito, 59, ascended the throne in may after his father, Akihito, became the first monarch to abdicate in two centuries.

Below are the main events scheduled for October 22, a one-off national holiday.

THE ENTHRONEMENT CEREMONY

Naruhito, like his father nearly three decades ago, will wear the traditional robe and headdress at the ceremony, which will begin at 1: 00 p.m. (0400 GMT) in the matsu of the Imperial Palace no mA, or pine hall, the most prestigious space in the Palace.

He will announce his enthronement from “Takamikura” – a 6.5 meter (21 feet) tall pavilion that weighs about 8 tons – with a sword and a jewel, two of the so-called three sacred treasures placed next to him.

Together with a mirror called YATA-no-Kagami, which is stored in the Great temple of ISE, the holiest place in the Shinto religion of Japan, the ancient sword and jewel make up the regalia symbolizing the legitimacy of the Emperor.

Akihito pledged during a previous ceremony in 1990 to abide by Japan’s pacifist Constitution and fulfill his duty as a symbol of the state and the unity of the people.

Naruhito’s proclamation will be followed by a congratulatory address from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe will then lead three greetings to the new Emperor, bringing the 30-minute ceremony to a close.

About 16.1 billion yen ($148 million) was allocated for succession-related ceremonies during the year, including the enthronement ceremony.

Abe said that representatives of more than 190 countries and international organizations are likely to join the celebration.

Among them are Britain’s Prince Charles, who, along with Princess Diana, also attended Akihito’s enthronement ceremony, US transport Minister Elaine Chao, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and South Korean Prime Minister Lee NAK-Yong.

Domestic media reported that Saudi crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom’s de facto ruler, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan are also likely to attend, and that Abe will hold talks with 50 foreign leaders.

About 120,000 people, many waving national flags, lined the route to cheer on Akihito and Empress Michiko as they passed by in a Rolls-Royce Corniche III after its enthronement.

Banquets’

From 19:20 in the courts will begin a judicial Banquet with the participation of foreign dignitaries, as well as representatives of the Executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Japanese government and their spouses.

Naruhito and Masako will hold a tea party for foreign royalties the next day to Express their gratitude. Then in the Evening, Abe will hold a Banquet for about 900 foreign leaders and other members of the delegation at Tokyo’s New Otani hotel.

Apologies’

The Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported Wednesday that the government had told the ruling liberal democratic party that it planned to pardon about 550,000 people to mark Naruhito’s enthronement.

Another daily, Mainichi, said earlier this month the planned pardons are aimed at petty criminals and they will have restrictions on their legal rights lifted. In Japan, convicted and fined persons are prohibited from obtaining licenses of doctors, nurses and some other persons for five years.

(Reporting Kiyoshi Takenaka; Mounting Floor Tate)