Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascends Chrysanthemum Throne
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/japanese-emperor-naruhito-ascends-chrysanthemum-throne-n1069851?cid=ed_npd_bn_tw_bn
Naruhito is a historian, a viola player and an expert on water transport who studied at Oxford University.
'Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!': Naruhito proclaimed Japanese emperor in centuries-old ceremony
Oct. 22, 2019, 5:31 AM EDT
By Associated Press
TOKYO Three booming cheers of "Banzai!" rang out Tuesday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as Naruhito formally declared his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne as the nation's 126th emperor.
As a driving autumn rain briefly gave way to sunshine and 2,000 guests looked on, Naruhito pledged at an elaborate, ritual-laden enthronement ceremony to serve as a symbol of the state for his people. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated him and led the cheers of "Banzai," which traditionally means "10,000 years."
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. Naruhito leads the world's oldest hereditary monarchy, which historians say goes back 1,500 years.
The short ceremony, which some critics say was largely meant to allow Abe's ultra-conservative government to win public support, was marked by extraordinary contrasts: the rhythmic shuffle of dozens of court dignitaries' long, stiff, antiquated robes as they brushed over mats leading to the throne room, and the thunder of cannon salutes reverberating through the palace.
"I hereby proclaim to those inside and outside of the country that I have been enthroned," Naruhito said. "I hereby swear that 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 praying for the happiness of the people and the peace of the world as I always stand with the people."
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Neat!