Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, when a visit to Bhutan in 2019
令和元年秋篠宮皇嗣妃殿下お誕生日に際してのご近影［出典：宮内庁ホームページ］
https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/activity/gokinkyo/03/r01-0911-ph.html

こんにちは。マメ菓子と申します。

引き続き皇室の現状を英語で伝えていきたいと思います。

今回は立皇嗣の礼について書かせていただきました。

皆様の中で英会話教室などに通われている方がいましたら、皇室をテーマに話してみても面白いと思いますので、機会があれば一度チャレンジしてみてください。

宜しくお願いいたします。

What is Rikkoshi-no-Rei（立皇嗣の礼）?

It is the ceremony where the Japanese government proclaims that Prince Akishino is a Koshi: first in the line of succession. It is decided by the Cabinet on April 3rd, 2018

Actually, it has never taken place before, although Rittaishi-no-Rei（立太子の礼）which is the ceremony for the proclamation of Kotaishi had done.

It has considered that the ceremony like Rikkoshi-no-Rei isn’t necessary because a Koshi (not a Kotaishi) is a position that just happens to be first in the line of succession and replaceable.

As the most recent example, in the Showa era, Prince Chichibu who is the younger brother of Emperor Hirohito had been a Koshi once until Akihito was born in 1933.

And more, if the Empress gives birth to a male child, Prince Akishino becomes second in the line of succession and not a Koshi anymore.

In contrast, such a twist never happens to a Kotaishi who is fixed to be an emperor.

In conclusion, even though Rikkoshi-no-Rei is held, It’s not confirmed that Prince Akishino will ascend to the throne.

There is still no Kotaishi and the situation that a sustainable succession to the throne is in critical danger doesn’t change.

Objectively, he is only 5 years younger than Emperor Naruhito, so it’s highly possible that he won’t come to the throne for his advanced age.

Please don’t misunderstand. We don’t mean we dislike Prince Akishino or he isn’t suitable.

We do love his highness, but these are the facts we have to emphasize.

Written by Mamegashi (from Aichi)

文責 愛知県 マメ菓子