Japan's Imperial Household Agency is weighing plans to hold a significantly reduced funeral for the former emperor, according to 時事ドットコム. The agency is considering the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as the venue, with the move reflecting the former emperor's own expressed preferences.
The report, published Wednesday, indicates that the agency has begun internal discussions on how to downsize the scale of the eventual state ceremony. The decision to explore a more modest format aligns with the former emperor's known desire for simplicity, as reported by multiple Japanese outlets including 日本経済新聞 and 朝日新聞.
The discussions mark a notable shift in how Japan handles imperial funerals. Historically, such ceremonies have followed elaborate, long-established protocols. However, the current consideration suggests a break from tradition, with officials reportedly looking at the palace's main hall as a potential site for the service. The former emperor, who abdicated in 2019, has reportedly been clear about wanting to avoid a large-scale public event.
