Japan’s emperor enthroned
Posted on Nov 27, 2019 in Capitol Connection, Featured
The seven Japanese-Americans invited to the enthronement ceremony were (from left) California Congressman Mark Takano, Lori Matsukawa of the U.S.-Japan Council, attorney Christine Kubota, Irene Hirano Inouye, former transportation secretary Norman Mineta, Governor Ige and businessman Thomas Iino.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in their royal robes. (Imperial Palace photos)
Governor Ige traveled to Japan in October as one of seven Japanese-Americans selected to represent the United States at the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito. The ancient ritual made Naruhito the 126th emperor of Japan in an unbroken line that dates back 14 centuries. The invited dignitaries included royalty from several countries, including Britain’s Prince Charles, diplomats and heads of state for the elaborate ceremony. So what was it like to be part of such a historic event? “It was thrilling to be one of the people invited worldwide to bear witness and represent Hawai‘i and the U.S.,” the governor said.