Prince Akishino's recent remark questioning the government decision to use state funds for a key Imperial family ritual following the ascension of the new emperor next year may rekindle the discussion over separation of state and religion under the Constitution in connection with Shinto-linked Imperial rituals. The statement by the prince — who will be the first in line to the throne after his elder brother, Crown Prince Naruhito, becomes emperor in May — has raised some eyebrows since the emperor "shall not have powers related to government." But that aside, the nation indeed needs to think what would be the appropriate form of the rituals performed by emperors as "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people" as defined by the postwar Constitution.
Speaking in a news conference ahead of his 53rd birthday on Friday, Prince Akishino, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, questioned whether it is appropriate to cover the expense of a "highly religious" event with state funding, referring to the Daijosai grand thanksgiving rite, to be held at the Imperial Palace in November 2019. The Daijosai is the first annual Niinamesai harvest festival to be performed by a new emperor following his accession to the throne. A new emperor offers new rice to the Imperial ancestors and to deities of heaven and Earth, while praying for peace and abundant harvests for the country and the people.
Citing the questions surrounding religious rites and the Constitution, which prohibits the state and its organs from engaging in any religious activity, the prince said he thinks that the Daijosai expenses should be paid for with money used to fund emperors' private expenses. He thus effectively challenged the Cabinet decision last April to cover the Daijosai expenses from public "palace-related expenses" used for the Imperial family's official duties such as ceremonies and state banquets — given the event's religious but public nature.