Tokyo

The first round of “Daikyo-no-Gi” grand banquets for Japanese Emperor Naruhito and guests to his “Daijosai” grand thanksgiving ceremony took place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Saturday.

The day’s banquet, held after Daijosai was performed by the Emperor from Thursday evening to early Friday, was joined by more than 280 people, including Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, who is the younger brother of the Emperor, and Crown Princess Kiko, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the heads of the country’s parliamentary and judicial branches.

Emperor Naruhito appeared in the “Homeiden” state banquet hall shortly past noon (3 a.m. GMT) with a sword and a jewel.

“After finishing ‘Daijokyu-no-Gi,’ I’m really glad to have you all here at Daikyo-no-Gi,” the Emperor said, referring to the key rite in the Daijosai ceremony. “Taking this opportunity, I pray for the happiness of the people and further development of the country.”

Abe congratulated the Emperor on successfully performing Daijokyu-no-Gi.

After making a toast, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and other participants enjoyed Japanese cuisine served in the banquet. Emperor Naruhito assumed the throne on May 1.

The second and final round of Daikyo-no-Gi will be held on Monday.

For former Emperor Akihito, the father of the current Emperor and how holding the title of Emperor Emeritus, three rounds of Daikyo-no-Gi were held over two days, on Nov. 24-25, 1990, after he ascended the throne in January 1989.

[Jiji Press]