“BANZAI!”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 509, 12 November 1928, Page 9

“BANZAI!”

Lusty Shouts Mark Coronation HIROHITO IS KING (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Received 9.5 a.m. SYDNEY, To-day. Japanese residents in Sydney gathered on Saturday afternoon at the hour of the Emperor Hirohito’s coronation for a ceremony in honour of the event, and the unusual sound of three full-voiced “Banzais” from a large group of the Mikado’s lieges filled the air in the vicinity of the Consul-General’s residence. Peculiar interest was lent to the Sydney ceremony by the fact that Princess Kuni. mother of Empress oi Japan, is the elder sister of Mrs. J. Tokugawa, wife of the Japanese Con-sul-General in Australia. A Tokyo message says: The enthronement of the Emperor Hirohito at Kyoto on Saturday was a magnificent ceremony, and the arrangements were all completely successful. The thousands of State guests included the representatives of 24 nations. The Emperor has given £150,000 for distribution among the poor. In order to emphasise the importance of paying respect to old age an Imperial Rescript has been issued, in which the Emperor praises the achievements Qf his predecessors, notably the wisdom of the Emperor Meiji, who guided the Empire on its modern course. The climax of the ceremony was reached when the Prime Minister, Baron Tanaka, after reading the address of congratulations, shouted, “Banzai!” thrice, which was repeated by the distinguished assembly, and broadcast by radio throughout the Empire. The holiday spirit is universal in town and country.