hail the new emperor
NARUHITO SUCCEEDS TO THE CHRYSANTHEMUM THRONE AFTER HIS FATHER’S ABDICATION
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attend a ritual for inheriting the imperial regalia and seals, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday. —
Emperor Naruhito inherited the sacred sword and jewel that signalled his succession and pledged in his first public address on Wednesday to follow his father’s example by devoting himself to peace and sharing the people’s joys and sorrows.
Naruhito, the first modern emperor to have studied abroad and the first born after Japan’s defeat in World War II, formally succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne at midnight after his father Akihito abdicated on Tuesday.
“When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity,” Naruhito said in his address.
While noting his father’s devotion to praying for peace, Naruhito said he’ll “reflect deeply” on the path trodden by Akihito and past emperors. He promised to abide by the constitution that stripped emperors of political power, and to fulfill his responsibility as a national symbol while “always turning my thoughts to the people and standing with them.”
“I sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world,” he said.
Naruhito is considered a new breed of royal, his outlook forged by the tradition-defying choices of his parents. Emperor Emeritus Akihito devoted his three-decade career to making amends for a war fought in his father’s name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people. Naruhito’s mother, Michiko, was born a commoner and was Catholic educated. Together, they reached out to the people, especially those who faced disability, discrimination and natural disasters.
Naruhito was presented with the Imperial sword and jewel, each in a box and wrapped in cloth, at a morning ceremony that marked his first official duty.
His wife and daughter, Empress Masako and 17-year-old Princess Aiko, were barred from the ceremony, which only adult male royals — his brother, now Crown Prince Fumihito, and his uncle Prince Hitachi — were allowed to witness. Their guests included a female Cabinet minister, however, as the Imperial House Law has no provision on the gender of commoners in attendance.
The banning of female royals at the ceremony underscored the uncertain future of a paternalistic imperial family that now has just two heirs.
Nevertheless, Japan festively celebrated an imperial succession prompted by retirement rather than death. Many people stood outside the palace Tuesday to reminisce about Akihito’s era; others joined midnight events when the transition occurred, and more came to celebrate the beginning of Naruhito’s reign.
Dozens of couples lined up at government offices to submit marriage documents to mark the first day of Naruhito’s era, known as Reiwa, or “beautiful harmony.”
Natsumi Nishimura, a 27-yearold saleswoman, and Keigo Mori, a 32- year-old government worker, were at a Tokyo office on Wednesday, saying they decided to tie the knot at the start of a new era to mark their new life together. —