The lawsuit filed by a group of more than 200 people against Imperial rituals to be held next year following the enthronement of the new Emperor brings back the question of government funding for such rituals in light of the constitutional separation of state and religion. It was the same question that was raised over the rituals performed nearly 30 years ago by Emperor Akihito following his enthronement. Now as he is set to abdicate next April and pave the way for the enthronement of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, the government plans to follow the precedent of the 1990 ceremonies, given that all similar suits filed against those rites were dismissed in courts. The question has not been entirely settled, however, as indicated by a recent remark by Prince Akishino, the Emperor's younger son.
The rituals in question are the enthronement ceremony, to be held next October following the enthronement in May, and the Daijosai grand thanksgiving rite scheduled for November, both at the Imperial Palace. The plaintiffs in the suit filed with the Tokyo District Court earlier this month claim the rituals violate the separation of state and religion stipulated in the Constitution, and call for damages from the government and suspending the use of public funds to hold the rites.
The enthronement ceremony, as provided for under the Imperial House Law, is held for a new emperor to publicly declare his ascension to the throne. The Daijosai is the first annual Niinamesai harvest festival to be performed by a new emperor, who will offer new rice to his Imperial ancestors and to deities of heaven and Earth, while praying for peace and abundant harvests for the country and the people.