Bumper guest list sees enthronement-related bill rise 30%

Enthronement events for Emperor Naruhito are expected to cost 16.3 billion yen ($152 million), up 30 percent from former Emperor Akihito's accession, due mainly to an increase in the number of guests.With dignitaries from more than 190 nations and international organizations expected to attend the main ceremony celebrating Tuesday's enthronement -- up from 160 represented at the previous rite in November 1990 -- the accommodation bill will be 4.1 billion yen more, according to the government.An increase in labor and material costs also pushed up the total outlay. Emperor Naruhito ascended t…READ FULL ARTICLE