Master of Ceremonies (Japan)
Encyclopedia
The is one of the major positions in the Japanese
Imperial Household Agency
. The function of the Imperial ceremonial master predates the Heian period
; and the role continued to be filled continuously since those ancient times. Formerly, the title and position were conferred in the name of the Emperor
. In the Japan of today, the Master of Ceremonies is construed as an honor and responsibility conferred by the Prime Minister
and the nation's government.
Grand Master of the Ceremonies is charged with assisting in coordinating various court functions held for visiting foreign dignitaries. He is also responsible for such activities as the Imperial Family's State visits to foreign countries.
Assisting the Grand Master are a number of functionaries with specific responsibilities. For example, one of the two Vice-Grand Masters of the Ceremonies is responsible for ceremonies which involve music. The Music Department performs both gagaku
, i.e. ancient court music, and the western classical music.
Encompassed within the wide-ranging duties of the Grand Master is ensuring orderly ceremonies for wild-duck netting.
innovations are collectively known as the .
The Asuka-, Nara- and Heian-period Imperial court hierarchy encompassed a ; also known as the "Ministry of the Interior" and its head was the Master of Ceremonies or .
Amongst the significant Daijō-kan officials working with the Master of Ceremonies within a somewhat rigid organizational structure were:......... -- two positions.. This official is charged with receiving ambassadors from China and Korea and serving as interpreters for them.. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
Imperial Household Agency
Imperial Household Agency
The is a government agency of Japan in charge of the state matters concerning Japan's imperial family and also keeping the Privy Seal and the State Seal...
. The function of the Imperial ceremonial master predates the Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
; and the role continued to be filled continuously since those ancient times. Formerly, the title and position were conferred in the name of the Emperor
Emperor of Japan
The Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
. In the Japan of today, the Master of Ceremonies is construed as an honor and responsibility conferred by the Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Japan
The is the head of government of Japan. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members, and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office...
and the nation's government.
Modern period
The Imperial Household Agency is a government organization considered to be under the Prime Minister. This agency, headed by the Grand Steward, attends to state matters concerning the Imperial House. One of the internal subdivisions of the agency is the Board of the Ceremonies which is headed by the Grand Master of the Ceremonies.Grand Master of the Ceremonies is charged with assisting in coordinating various court functions held for visiting foreign dignitaries. He is also responsible for such activities as the Imperial Family's State visits to foreign countries.
Assisting the Grand Master are a number of functionaries with specific responsibilities. For example, one of the two Vice-Grand Masters of the Ceremonies is responsible for ceremonies which involve music. The Music Department performs both gagaku
Gagaku
Gagaku is a type of Japanese classical music that has been performed at the Imperial Court in Kyoto for several centuries. It consists of three primary repertoires:#Native Shinto religious music and folk songs and dance, called kuniburi no utamai...
, i.e. ancient court music, and the western classical music.
Encompassed within the wide-ranging duties of the Grand Master is ensuring orderly ceremonies for wild-duck netting.
Pre-Meiji period
The Imperial court position of Master of Ceremonies identified the ceremonial expert in the Imperial retinue. The title arose during evolution of governmental reorganizations beginning in 701. These pre-Heian periodHeian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
innovations are collectively known as the .
The Asuka-, Nara- and Heian-period Imperial court hierarchy encompassed a ; also known as the "Ministry of the Interior" and its head was the Master of Ceremonies or .
Amongst the significant Daijō-kan officials working with the Master of Ceremonies within a somewhat rigid organizational structure were:......... -- two positions.. This official is charged with receiving ambassadors from China and Korea and serving as interpreters for them.. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions. -- two positions.