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Japan gets a new emperor Naruhito, following his father’s historic abdication from the Chrysanthemum Throne, the world’s oldest monarchy.
Naruhito became emperor at midnight on Tuesday when the new imperial era Reiwa began in Japan.
His father, the popular 85-year-old Akihito used his final royal speech to offer his “heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan” and pray for global peace as the curtain came down on the 30-year reign that saw him transform the role of emperor.
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The Kenji- to Shokei-no- gi or the Ceremony for Inheriting the Imperial Regalia and Seals began at 10.15 am.
In Akihito’s final speech, he said that “ I wished Japan and the world for peace and prosperity”.
Naruhito will also face the challenge of continuing his father’s legacy while maintaining Japanese traditions that stretch back centuries.
Akihito changed the role of the emperor that remains sensitive in Japan after the country’s militaristic past in the name of his father Hirohito.
In a short speech at the Imperial Palace, Emperor Naruhito said that “ I hoped for the happiness of the people, progress of the country, and the world peace.”
Naruhito, 59, also expressed gratitude towards his father Emperor Emeritus Akihito, 85, who became the first emperor to abdicate in more than 200 years on Tuesday
The New emperor said, that his father performed each of his duties in earnest for more than 30 years,
He added, “ I would like to express my heartfelt respect and appreciation.
(With agency inputs)
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