“Japan’s
new emperor wishes for world peace upon taking throne.” This article reminded
me of our discussion a few weeks ago about how the royal family isn’t supposed
to have political opinions. I recall we even talked about then Crown Prince Naruhito
getting in trouble for expressing a seemingly non-controversial opinion about
something. I tried to find write-ups about that, but without knowing the object
of his passionate, contentious stance, I was unsuccessful in my search. Crown
Prince Naruhito once again seems to be representing an unassailable position. Yet,
somehow, there are still some unhappy with this sentiment.
This
piece lays down the details of Naruhito’s recent ascension. Naruhito received a
sword and a jewel, family treasures, and gave remarks about his father and the
past, as well as his future as emperor. He expressed “his hope for ‘the
happiness of the people, a more prosperous nation and world peace.’” It also discusses
Naruhito’s first official duties, which included signing documents approving the
appointment of various officials. Sort of randomly, the article mentions that Emperor
emeritus Akihito, Naruhito’s father, actively engaged with the Japanese people
during his time on the throne. Then, a brief history of the word “Reiwa” is
given as well as a statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The article wraps up
with a few paragraphs about the celebration of the end of the Heisei era in Tokyo.
In
researching outside sources, I found that while the majority of Japanese people
seem to be fond of Emperor Naruhito, there are groups to both the far left and
right with separate reasons for disliking him. Yoichi Shimada, a Fukui
Prefectural University professor of international relations stated that “there
are some in Japanese society who feel they are at a disadvantage – in terms of
income, education, opportunities – and see the monarchy as a symbol of
hereditary oppression of the working classes” (Ryall). There were serious
protests and displays of anti-imperial sentiment surrounding Naruhito’s
ascension. The day after the enthronement, police were called because of illegal
drone activity around the Imperial Palace, and the Akasaka Estate, the home of
Emperor Naruhito. The day before former Emperor Akihito abdicated, a man entered
12-year-old Prince Hisahito’s school and taped two knives to his desk while he
was outside. The perpetrator told police that he was showing his hatred of the
imperial system. Finally, a man committed suicide at the Musashino Imperial
Graveyard near the mausoleums of former emperors Hirohito and Yoshihito. However,
it is not just the left that is against the imperial family. Some extreme
right-wing supporters think that the new emperor is too peaceful, and should “demonstrate
military strength” and “have soldierly characteristics” (Ryall). It is clear
that not all Japanese see the Reiwa era as a time of “beautiful harmony”. It is
interesting how a seemingly uncontroversial topic always has more layers and
perspectives when you dig a little.
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