Vowing to stand with his people, Japan's 126th emperor Naruhito formally proclaims enthronement

Tokyo, October 22: Performing a series of ancient rituals, Emperor Naruhito in Japan has proclaimed himself new emperor, vowing to stand with the people, in his appearance on the imperial throne alongside his wife, Empress Masako. Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum throne in May, following the abdication of his father, Akihito, marked his official enthronement on Tuesday in front of around 2,000 guests, including heads of state and other royals from more than 180 countries.

 

 

“I hereby declare my enthronement at home and abroad", he said. Dressed in a dark orange robe whose design dates back 1,000 years, Japan’s 126th emperor paid tribute to 85 year old Akihito’s dedication to public service and promised to continue his father’s work. “I sincerely hope that our country, through our people’s wisdom and unceasing efforts, achieves further development and contributes to the friendship and peace of the international community and the welfare and prosperity of humankind", he added.

Facing Naruhito from a position below the imperial throne, the prime minister, Shinzo Abe, offered his congratulations. “We will do our utmost to create a peaceful, bright future full of hope for Japan,” Abe said, before leading the guests in three cheers of 'Banzai', meaning 'Long live the emperor'.

Naruhito’s enthronement has raised hopes that his reign, known as Reiwa, will usher in a period of gentle modernisation for the imperial family. The monarch, who spent two years at Oxford University and wrote his master’s thesis on ancient maritime transport on the River Thames, has indicated that he will continue Akihito’s work in bringing the imperial family closer to ordinary people.