Pine room and a secret jewel: Japan abdication ritualsEmperor Akihito will abdicate on Tuesday in the 'Room of Pine'. It is the only room with wooden floors -- made from Japanese zelkova trees -- rather than carpet, and the walls are covered with fabric featuring raised pine-leaf motifs. The ceremony will be conducted in the presence of an ancient sword and jewel -- part of the imperial regalia -- considered crucial evidence of an emperor's legitimacy. During the first ceremony, the new emperor will inherit the sword, the jewel and the royal seals. Shortly afterwards, at 11:10am, Naruhito will take part in another ceremony in which he will pronounce his first speech as emperor.

Source: Standard Digital April 26, 2019 05:03 UTC