Cheers of ‘Banzai’ as Japan’s new emperor enthroned in ritual

Emperor Naruhito has ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne, proclaiming himself Japan’s 126th emperor before a cheering audience.

At an enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Emperor Naruhito pledged to serve his constitutional duty as a symbol of the state and to stay close to the people.

Japanese prime minister Shinzoabecongratulatedhim and led three “Banzai” cheers. The cheers traditionally mean “10,000 years” of long life.

Emperor Naruhito said after his enthronement: “I hereby swear that I will act according to the constitution and fulfil my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan, while always praying for the happiness of the people and the peace of the world as I always stand with the people.”

The emperor, wearing a traditional robe and a black headdress, appeared as a pair of black-robed chamberlains opened the purple curtains of the throne at the sound of a bell.

The throne, called Takamikura, is a 21ft high decorative structure resembling a gazebo. It was transported from the former Imperial Palace in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, where emperors lived until 150 years ago.

The enthronement ceremony is the high point of several succession rituals that began in May when Naruhito inherited the throne after the abdication of Akihito, his father. Japan is the oldest hereditary monarchy, which historians say goes back 1,500 years.

The proclamation is largely meant to allow the government to showcase the monarchy to win public support and to preserve Japan’s cultural heritage.

Despite the time, effort and cost put into preparations, the ceremony lasted only about 30 minutes.

The enthronement ceremony was originally modelled on one celebrated by the ancient Tang dynasty of China, and is the second of a threepart process.

Next month sees the religious and divisive ritual of the Grand Harvest. Some experts have raised questions over the government’s funding of £115 million for ceremonies containing religious rites.

Criticism was largely eclipsed by the festive mood, in part because Emperor Naruhito’s succession was by abdication, not by death, palace watchers said.

Mr Abe’s ultra-conservative government also granted pardons marking the occasion. The decision was published in the special edition of the official gazette, which provided for about 550,000 eligible applicants. The decision was not publicly debated.

The pre-war custom of clemency by the emperor has been criticised as undemocratic and politically motivated.