Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-12-25
H|ROH|TO ASCENDS
AS JAPAN MOURNS
Son Takes Throne Imme-
diateIy After Yoshihito's
Death-NeW Era Begins.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated fTesS,
TOXIC, December 25.-Christmas.
which in late years has become an
unofficial holiday in Japan. became
day Of mourning today as news or
the death of Emperor Yoshihito was
radioed and telegraphed throughout
the empire.
Millions of Japanese visited shrineS
and temples during the day, praying
for the spirit of the monarch, who
died at his Hayama villa. early this
morning after a prolonged illness.
Most of the business houses in
Toxic are closed. The streets present
a subdued appearance, flags are at
half-staff and the newspapers, show
ing the black Of mourning. contain
nothing but accounts of the death,
of Hirohito, eldest son Of Yoshihito,
to the throne.
Body Going to Toxic Monday.
Plans for returning the body Of
Yoshihito from Hayama to Toxic al
ready are taking form. The funeral
train will be made up Monday at
Zushi, about four miles from Hayama,
and a scant hours rite from the capi-
tai. The railroad will be lined with
troops from Zushi to Toxic, and vari-
stations along the route.
Imperial guards will accompany the
train which will bear the casket to
Harajuki station, Toxic, near the
shrine of Meiji Yoshihito'S father.
At the station the body will be placed
in a motor hearse guarded by Is mem
beis of the imperial bodyguard off,
GERS The new Emperor and En-.
press will receive the casket at the
entrance to the imperial palace.
The casket will be borne to the
Emperor's sitting room, a simple
| white-curtained compartment with
| bamboo blinds. The coffin will be set
| in the center of the room beside the
Emperor's favorite seat, behind which
will be placed a white folding screen.
Navy to Guard Way.
From the imperial villa, where the
| body now lies, a motor hearse will
bear the casket to the Zushi station.
Naval officers from Yokosuka and
navy detachments will guard the way.
The battleship amashiro, lying off
Hayama, will fire a salute of 48
mourning guns as the coffin leaves
the villa.
Yoshihito will be the first Emperor
to be buried at the new imperial
grounds near Hacjioji, a suburb of
West Toxic.
The date of the funeral will be de-
termined soon. 1t is expected a day
in the latter part of February will be
chosen, as the first SO days of mourn
ing must pass before the rites can be
held.
The coronation of Hirohito. who as
cended the throne Immediately upon
the death of his father, will take place
in November, 1928, according to law.
Shinto ceremonies for Yoshihito are
to be conducted every 10 days during
the first period of mourning. 1t is ex-
pected a pavilion will be erected on
the lawn at Shinijuku Palace for the
final rites.
HirOhitO Ascends Throne.
The coffin in which Yoshihito lies
consists of triple wooden casket 10
feet long, feet broad and 3 feet A
inches in depth, the space between
each LAYER filled with cement. 1t is
made of Japanese cypress from Kisko
Imperial Forest, and was especially
miiled and sanctified. 1t is draped
with white habutai, a thin, soft Japa-
nese silk.
With the ascension of Hirohito
| comes the era of showa-'peace and
enlightenment"
The ceremony of ascension to the
| throne took place at the villa before
the royal parsonage was removed
| from the death chamber bed, and the
new Emperor remained there with the
body of his father. Hirohito will re-
| turn to Toxic Monday.
New Era Proclaimed.
| The era of showa was proclaimed
by the cabinet Immediately on ascen-
sion of the new ruler. 1t will prevail
during the lifetime Of Hirohito.
The period Of mourning will last a
year. This year will be divided into
| three parts-two parts Of so days
| each At the end of the first so days
the funeral will be held. 1t is ex'
pected the cost of burying Yoshihito
| will be in excess of 10000 yen
| Hirohito's coronation will not take
place until the full period of mourn
ing has passed.
The national. Diet will open formal
ly tomorrow, when resolutions of con
dolence will be read by Premier
| Wakatsuki or the minister Of war
Adjournment will be taken on Mon
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