Emperor Naruhito performed from Thursday evening a centuries-old Shinto thanksgiving ceremony known as the Daijosai, the last of the major succession rituals following his enthronement in May, but the state-funded secretive rite has stirred controversy for its religious aspect.Guided by ceremonial officials bearing small torches, the 59-year-old emperor clad in a white robe, entered the Yuki Hall, part of the gigantic Daijokyu complex specially constructed on the Imperial Palace grounds for the ceremony through early Friday.It marks the first time for the emperor to offer newly harvested ri…READ FULL ARTICLE
