October 24, 2019
Minister of Foreign Affairs attends the ceremony of Enthronement of the 112th Emperor in Japan
The Honorable Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis joined leaders and representatives from over 180 countries at the Ceremony of Enthronement of Emperor Naruhito and other related activities in Tokyo, Japan over the past two days. The ceremony, which is steeped in rituals and history, was attended by hundreds of dignitaries, including Prince Charles of Great Britain, and other members of royal families from across Europe, Asia and Africa. Emperor Naruhito, who had previously acceded to the throne earlier in May following the abdication of his father Emperor Emeritus Akihito, declared at the solemn ceremony, “I now perform the Ceremony of Enthronement at the Seiden State Hall and proclaim my enthronement to those at home and abroad”. Following the declaration, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, delivered a brief response and led guests in three cheers (banzai salute) before the Emperor and Empress exited the royal throne which dates more than one thousand years.
A court banquet at the Imperial palace held later that evening allowed Heads of states, royal family members and other invited guests to personally congratulate the Imperial couple for about one hour. Minister Brantley conveyed greetings to the new Emperor from the Governor General of the Federation and the Honorable Prime Minister. The Honorable Minister also used the opportunity to engage other dignitaries including Prince Charles and Elaine Chou, Secretary of Transportation of the United States, and regional leaders from the Caribbean during the court banquet. Guests were also allowed to the see the Emperor’s throne before sitting down to a nine course Japanese style dinner.
At a state dinner with foreign dignitaries who had attended the enthronement ceremony the previous day, host Shinzo Abe in his remarks, pledged that Japan will make even further contributions to the international community and welcomed everyone back to Japan for the 20/20 Olympics and the 2025 Expo. Guests were also treated to a performance by leading Japanese actors in the traditional arts and culture of Japan – Kyogen, Kabuki and Bunraku. Minister Brantley was accompanied by non-resident Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Jasmine E. Huggins
