Abdication: The End of the Heisei Era

Today marks the end of the Heisei Era. The 85-year-old Emperor Akihito has abdicated the  Chrysanthemum Throne in the Kenji to Shokei no gi ceremony thus marking the end of his peaceful thirty-year reign. We will miss this kind benevolent Emperor who had sought to heal the wounds of war committed in his father's name. His life's mission near complete, he had visited many if not most of the countries and battlefields to pray for Japan's fallen and for Japan's victims of war. His reign is marked as an era of Peace for Japan. It is understandable and most reasonable for him to retire to become Emperor Emeritus given his advanced age. Now in his twilight years, he passes on the torch to Crown Prince Naruhito who will become the new Reiwa Emperor in an era named for orderly peace and harmony. We at American Mishima wish The Heisei Emperor and Empress Michiko a peaceful retirement and joy in their golden years. We would like to thank the Heisei Emperor for all his kindness and efforts to bring about peace during his reign. He will be missed.

New Era Named

By now, everyone should know the name of the new era that will begin after Emperor Akihito abdicates on Tuesday, April 30th, 2019. The new era will be known as the Reiwa Era - meaning be in harmony. Unlike other eras, the name is not taken from the Chinese Classics but rather a traditional Japanese poem of antiquity. We at American Mishima like the sound of harmony. It is a positive aspiration for both Crown Prince Naruhito when he becomes the new Emperor, Japan, and perhaps, for the world itself so that all peoples may live in harmony. Reiwa!

The Line of Succession

Seen here is Prince Akishino of Japan with his son Prince Hisahito and wife Princess Kiko at their son's graduation from a prestigious primary school in Tokyo. Twelve-year-old Prince Hisahito will become second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father Prince Fumihito becomes first in line after Emperor Akihito abdicates and Crown Prince Naruhito becomes Emperor. With so few male heirs in the Imperial Family, Japan will look to reconsider the roles of the Imperial Princesses in the future lines of succession. This shall be interesting to see how they adapt. We wish the Imperial Family a smooth transition into their new roles.

New Year Begins As Era Nears End

あけまして おめでとう ございます!

A New Year Begins as the sun begins to set on the Heisei Era. It was good to see Emperor Akihito greet the throngs of crowds that greet him every New Years Day once more. Next year will be his last appearence at the balcony of the Imperial Palace as the troch will be passed to Crown Prince Naruhito will become Emperor after the Abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne April 30th, 2019. Many will have memories to share and thoughts to convey on this upcoming event. An event that has not happened in over 200 years. For us, we think of how we were born in the Showa Era and our children in the Heisei Era. We really admired Emperor Akihito and appreciated his yearly New Years Greetings. We will miss him as in less than two years time we will greet a New Emperor and a New Era. We wish the Emperor & Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito, and the rest of the Imperial Family and all citizens of Japan a Happy New Years!

Heisei Era Close Draws Near As Abdication Date Set

Every monarch has his reign in the sun and for Japan's 83 year old Heisei Emperor Akihito is no exception. In recent years the rigourous pace of his public duties have become harder to fullfill due to his advanced age. Thus by his own requests and an act of the Japanese Diet, the Imperial Household Agency has announced that Emperor Akihito will abdicate from the Chrysanthemum Throne April 30th, 2019. It is the first time in over 200 years that a Japanese Emperor has chosen to abdicate. Emperor Akihito will be remembered as a gentle monarch who sought to heal the wounds of WWII and in recent times be a voice of comfort to many in Japan's most recent disasters. He has reigned for over three decades since 1989 and will be succeded by his eldest son, 57 year old Crown Prince Naruhito. We at American Mishima wish Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko a peaceful retirement in the twilight of thier years. They will be missed. 

2017 New Years Greetings

Happy New Years everyone! As per our New Years tradition, we at American Mishima feature a photo of the Japanese Heisei Emperor delivering his New Years Greeting from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan. As seen in the photo Crown Princess Masako, Crown Prince Naruhito, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are seen greeting the Japanese nation. The Imperial Household Agency reports that some 58,600 people were present many of which waving small Japanese flags were there to raise their arms and shout "Banzai" which in this context translates to "Long Life." We are particularly happy to see this and while the Heisei Emperor is pushing to abdicate the throne due to his advanced age, recent prostate cancer issues, and heart problems. We look forward to his continued health & happiness and warm New Years Greetings to both the Japanese people and the world at large. あけまして おめでとう ございます! ばんざい! ばんざい! ばんざい!

Heisei Emperor set to Abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne?

Japanese media sources have recently reported that the Heisei Emperor is looking to abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne in order to pass it to Crown Prince Naruhito while he is still alive. This hasn't been done in over 200 years but the fact is the 82 year old Monarch is getting old. He makes this decision based on his ability to carry out his duties as Emperor. While no specific date has been set, the Imperial Household Agency say the Emperor plans to address the public in which he will discuss his future plans and that for the Japanese Imperial Household. They say his decision has been accepted by both Empress Michiko and the Crown Prince. In our humble opinion, he has been a kind, gentle, uplifting symbol of Japan particularly during times of crisis. While we certainly hate to see Emperor Akihito step down after his long 28 year reign, we understand and accept his reasons for retirement. We at American Mishima wish nothing but the best for the Emperor and Empress Michiko.