On Thursday evening, Japan's Emperor Naruhito will perform the Daijosai rite, a key imperial succession ritual for his enthronement, in a temporary Shinto shrine compound where he will make offerings to ancestors and to deities of heaven and earth.The main part of the ritual, which runs through the early hours of Friday, will be held behind closed doors, but here is a brief explainer of what happens:Q: What is the Daijosai?A: The Daijosai or the Great Thanksgiving Ceremony dates back to at least the late seventh century. It is performed by the new emperor in the fall of the year of his form…READ FULL ARTICLE
