A new era dawned in Japan on Wednesday as Naruhito officially became emperor at midnight following his father’s historic abdication from the Chrysanthemum Throne, the world’s oldest monarchy.
The 59-year-old Naruhito will formally take possession of the sacred imperial regalia at a solemn ceremony later Wednesday but he became the 126th emperor at the stroke of midnight, ushering in the “Reiwa” imperial era.
His father, the popular 85-year-old Akihito used his final royal speech to offer his “heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan” and pray for global peace as the curtain came down on his 30-year reign that saw him transform the role of emperor.
During a 10-minute ceremony in the Imperial Palace’s elegant Room of Pine, he stopped to offer a hand to his wife of 60 years, Michiko, as she stepped down from the stage and poignantly paused before exiting the room, bowing deeply to the 300 invited guests.
It was the first time in more than 200 years an emperor had stepped down in Japan and kicks off the “Reiwa” era — meaning “beautiful harmony” — that will last as long as Naruhito is on the throne.
