Friday 19 / April / 2024
Tokyo: Japan's Emperor Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday to mark the start of a new imperial era in Japan.
"I have hereby succeeded to the throne pursuant to the Constitution of Japan and the Special Measures Law on the Imperial House Law," the emperor said in his declaration.
"When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity.
"I will act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan, while always turning my thoughts to the people and standing with them," he added.
In a ceremony called "Kenji to Shokei no gi", the 59-year-old emperor, dressed in a formal black suit, inherited the imperial regalia as proof of his ascension to the throne.
The regalia, known as "Sanshu no Jingi," constitutes the sacred mirror Yata no Kagami, the sword Kusanagi and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama.
In the ritual, the new monarch received the jewel and a replica of the sword, Kusanagi, along with the state and privy seals.
According to local media reports, the original mirror is kept at Ise Jingu, a Shinto shrine in Mie Prefecture in central Japan, and the original sword at Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture.
Concluding his speech, Naruhito prayed for “the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world.”
Speaking on behalf of the people of Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that the new emperor would be a symbol of unity for the nation, adding "we are determined to create in the midst of a rapidly changing international situation a bright future for a Japan in whihc we take pride, a Japan that is peaceful and brimming with hope, and create an era of culture coming into being and flourishing when people bring their hearts and minds together in a beautiful manner."
