Naruhito Inagurated as Japanese New Emperor

Tokyo, MINA – New Japanese emperor Naruhito officially ascended to the Throne of Chrysanthemum, a day after his father Akihito abdicated from oldest monarchy in the world and ushered in a new era of empire.

Naruhito said he would reflect deeply on the path taken by his father, who was popular and thought to have brought the world’s oldest monarchy closer to the people, especially during natural disasters.

“When I think about important responsibilities that I bear, I am filled with a sense of reverence,” said Naruhito as quoted from Al Jazeera, Wednesday.

Naruhito officially became emperor at midnight Tuesday local time (1500GMT), April 30 2019, but the process will be inaugurated on Wednesday with a 10-minute ritual, a ceremony which is forbidden to female nobles, even to his wife Masako.

The inauguration took place on the first day of the new imperial era Reiwa, which means “beautiful harmony”, which will take place throughout the reign of Naruhito.

The 59-year-old man was presented with the treasure of holy empire in the form of swords and gems, as well as seal of the country and the seal of his personal empire. The solemn ceremony took place in Pine Room in Imperial Palace at 10:30 am local time.

Shortly after the ceremony, joining Masako and other nobles, Naruhito spoke for the first time as the 126th emperor, when he vowed to stand with Japanese people.

He vowed to act in accordance with the Constitution, while always devoting his thoughts to the people and standing with them.

The grandeur and ceremony will wait until October 22, when Naruhito and Masako appear in complicated traditional robes for ceremonies at the palace. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)