2,600 guests to attend new Japanese emperor's coronation in Oct 2019

At least 2,600 guests will attend Prince Naruhito's coronation ceremony as the new Japanese Emperor in October 2019, six months after his father, Akihito, abdicates the throne, the government said on Tuesday.

The number of guests for the ceremony slated for October 22, 2019, was 800 less than the invitees at Akihito's coronation in 1990, according to government figures.

Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, will ascend to the Chrysanthemum throne on May 1, 2019, a day after the resignation of Emperor Akihito. The official ceremony will be held six months later, reports Efe news.

Emperor Akihito's coronation, held on November 12, 1990, had seven banquets spread over four consecutive days that brought together 3,400 guests.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government chose to hold fewer banquets for Naruhito to reduce the workload of the future emperor and the other members of the imperial family, including his wife Masako, who will participate in the events.