TOKYO — As part of the historic handover of Japan’s imperial throne on Wednesday, the incoming emperor, Naruhito, will receive a sword, a jewel and official seals in a sacred ceremony that dates back thousands of years. Naruhito, 59, is to take the Chrysanthemum Throne a day after his father, Emperor Akihito, 85, abdicates on Tuesday, becoming the first Japanese emperor to do so in more than 200 years. The ascension ceremony in a state room at the imperial palace will make history in another way: For the first time in the modern era, a woman will be present. Satsuki Katayama, the sole woman in the cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, will be on hand to witness this first step in Naruhito’s enthronement. But the new empress, Masako, Naruhito’s wife of 26 years, will not be allowed to attend — another illustration of the diminished status of women in the imperial family.

Source: International New York Times April 29, 2019 11:03 UTC