No Holding The Horses When It Comes To Presenting Credentials*
Japan’s Imperial Family undertakes as much pomp and paegantry as other countries with royals, though perhaps a little more subdued, with the profession of Presentation of Credentials being a good example. When an ambassador to Japan is appointed, they are given the option of getting a horse-drawn carriage ride from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace to present their credentials to the Emperor, the symbol of the state. I get to work in a place where you can see the ceremonies, which are a great show for me as a horse fan. The processions use zagyoshiki, which are ceremonial carriages drawn by a pair of horses. Most of the zagyoshiki…