Emperor Naruhito performed from Thursday evening a centuries-old Shinto thanksgiving ceremony known as the Daijosai, the last of the major succession rituals following his enthronement in May.

Although the main part of the ceremony was undisclosed, a total of 675 people, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, lawmakers, prefectural governors and other representatives, were invited to observe the rite nearby.

(An imperial envoy (2nd from left) visits Ise Jingu shrine in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Nov. 14, 2019, to report that Emperor Naruhito will perform the Daijosai great thanksgiving ceremony.)

(Daijokyu Halls, the setting for the Daijosai)


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(Emperor Naruhito heads to the Yuki Hall)

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(Empress Masako heads to the Choden)


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(Guests observe the "Daijokyu no gi" main rite of the Daijosai)


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IN PHOTOS: Daijosai rite by then Emperor Akihito in November 1990

Q&A: Emperor Naruhito's Daijosai key imperial succession ritual


(Crown Prince Fumihito (C) attends the "Daijokyu no gi" main rite of the Daijosai.)

(Crown Princess Kiko attends the "Daijokyu no gi" main rite of the Daijosai.)

(Emperor Naruhito leaves the Yuki Hall.)
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(Empress Masako leaves the Choden)