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| Naruhito: Japan's emperor proclaims enthronement in ancient ceremony | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Japan's Emperor Naruhito has formally proclaimed his ascension to the throne in an elaborate ceremony. | Japan's Emperor Naruhito has formally proclaimed his ascension to the throne in an elaborate ceremony. |
| The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito. | The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito. |
| But his ascension is only now being formalised in a series of traditional rituals. | But his ascension is only now being formalised in a series of traditional rituals. |
| His ascension comes as Japan reels from the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, which left almost 80 people dead. | His ascension comes as Japan reels from the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, which left almost 80 people dead. |
| A celebration parade has been postponed out of respect for the victims and their families. | |
| The Sokui no Rei - or the Ceremony of Accession - saw Emperor Naruhito inside the 6.5m-high Takamikura throne. | The Sokui no Rei - or the Ceremony of Accession - saw Emperor Naruhito inside the 6.5m-high Takamikura throne. |
| He read out a formal proclamation, dressed in a yellow-orange tone robe worn only by emperors on special occasions. | He read out a formal proclamation, dressed in a yellow-orange tone robe worn only by emperors on special occasions. |
| "I 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," said the emperor, according to a Reuters translation. | "I 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," said the emperor, according to a Reuters translation. |
| His wife Empress Masako, reportedly clothed in 12 layers of robes weighing many kilograms, was on an adjacent throne. | |
| Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a congratulatory address, followed by shouts of "Banzai!" - translated as "long live the emperor". | Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a congratulatory address, followed by shouts of "Banzai!" - translated as "long live the emperor". |
| The ceremony, conducted largely in silence, was held in the presence of an ancient sword and jewel - sacred treasures that act as symbols of imperial power. | |
| Hundreds of foreign dignitaries, including the UK's Prince Charles, are in attendance. | Hundreds of foreign dignitaries, including the UK's Prince Charles, are in attendance. |
| The emperor will later host a tea party for foreign royalty, while Mr Abe will host a banquet in the evening. | |
| Emperor Naruhito officially began his reign on 1 May. | |
| But this ceremony is a much more elaborate affair, and meant to be more celebratory in nature. | |
| The emperor's role is largely ceremonial, focusing on public engagement with citizens and meeting foreign dignitaries. |