Transition into Reiwa: Concerns over religious aspects of ceremonies

Emperor Akihito, who the first article of the Japanese Constitution stipulates as being the “the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people,” has abdicated and been succeeded by his son. A one-off bill was passed that allowed him to abdicate on April 30 this year and Naruhito to ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Consequently, the era name changed from Heisei to Reiwa. The event was widely covered by the media, and the whole nation was in a jubilant mood. However, some Christians felt religious freedom and the separation of politics and religion were threatened, and they held meetings in several locations to question the imperial regime.

On April 30, the last day of Heisei, the Yasukuni Mondai Īnkai1 of the National Christian Council (NCC) held a press conference at Shinanomachi Church in Shinjuku, Tokyo, to protest Emperor Akihito’s abdication ceremony, which they claimed was unconstitutional. Committee chairman Takuya Hoshide gave some context to their claim, “We believe that the Imperial abdication ceremonies are being carried out in a manner that violates the Japanese Constitution, which is unacceptable. Of particular concern is the ceremony of passing on the sacred sword and other treasures, which will be conducted as a national affair. Those items symbolize the divinity of Amaterasu-ōmikami, and the ceremony has the meaning of passing on that divine authority. If we accept this, the old Shinto system will gain the upper hand and control Japan.”

Theologian Ichirō Mitsunobu of the Society of Jesus read a written request to Prime Minister Abe, appealing for politics and religion to be clearly separated as mandated by the Japanese Constitution and to make a clear distinction between national affairs and imperial rites, which are private religious ceremonies of the imperial house. During a question-and-answer session, Sung Je Kim, the general secretary of NCC, stated the importance of the church holding its ground and making the issue clear, even if it means putting the church at risk. He said, “By doing so, we confess to God that sometimes in the past we didn’t stand up for our faith, and we repent of our sins. I hope that people will understand the intentions of our actions.”

From Christian Shimbun, May 19, 2019
Translated by Grace Koshino

1. A committee board that deals with the controversies surrounding the Yasukuni Shrine

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