Takamikura　(The Imperial Throne)

At the center of the main hall (moya) of the Shishinden, the main building of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, stands the Takamikura, the Imperial throne. The Takamikura has been used since the Nara period for Important ceremonies such as enthronements and New Year’s audiences. The current Takamikura was newly constructed for the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Taishō on November 10, 1915, about 100 years ago. Emperors Shōwa, Emeritus Emperor Akihito, and the current Emperor have all ascended this throne during their enthronement ceremonies. For the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and the current Emperor, the Takamikura was transported from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.