Deeper than tradition: Japan's enthronement illustrates an evolving imperial house

Deeper than tradition: Japan's enthronement illustrates an evolving imperial house

Written by: Kenneth Ruoff, The Japan Times - October 22, 2019

Nolan Matcovich - October 29, 2019

This Japan Times article discusses the importance and scope of last week's enthronement ceremony, and talks about Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's intention for their upcoming reign. The author, Kenneth Ruoff, notes that "The imperial house,... has long survived not because of its stubborn attachment to traditions but quite the opposite — because it has changed to suit evolving social conditions throughout its history," saying that "Tolerance is likely to be an especially important theme for the Reiwa monarchy." He talks about the fact that some of this stems from the increased diversification of Japan under his father's reign during the Heisei era, and that Emperor Naruhito hopes to continue this in his upcoming era by accepting diversity "'with a spirit of tolerance while seeking to further develop it through the mutual encouragement of each other.'"

In addition to his emphasis on diversity, one thing I found particularly interesting was Emperor Naruhito's interest in more international involvement. He is particularly interested in paying more attention to the global issue of water (made up of sub-issues such as lack of access to clean water and water scarcity), which Ruoff notes is a departure from previous topics of attention for the imperial house, which has traditionally focused more on helping more vulnerable parts of Japanese society, such as natural disaster victims and others. This new role as a leader in bringing about positive change in global water issues and its international-over-domestic implications creates a striking resemblance between the Japanese imperial family and members of the British royal family, who are also very involved in international relief efforts and other international issues, in addition to British domestic issues.

A key difference, however, is the British royal family's position as heads of state throughout the Commonwealth realms, meaning that international relief efforts in parts of the Caribbean and Oceania are actually relevant to their duties as members of the royal family. Due to the UK's role in the Commonwealth, the royal family are also involved in international aid and relief programs and campaigns in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The Japanese imperial family, however, will need to build these sorts of ties in order to make its involvement in improving global issues relating to water more impactful and long-lasting. Additionally, due to Japan's problematic imperial history abroad, the imperial family especially will need to work to redefine its image in Asia in order to work meaningfully with Asian countries in which water problems are prevalent.