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A new era began in Japan after Naruhito officially became the country's emperor on Wednesday at midnight, taking the helm of the world's oldest monarchy as a result of his father's historic abdication.
The new imperial era of "Reiwa", which means "beautiful harmony", will continue as long as Naruhito, 59, sits on the Chrysanthemum throne and follows the era of "Heisei", meaning "to reach the peace".
Naruhito will officially take possession of the royal insignia and sacred imperial seals as proof of his succession as the country's 126th emperor during a solemn ceremony later on Wednesday. Although the Japanese emperors do not hold any official political power, they are prominent national figureheads.
The annual spring vacation in Japan, known as the Golden Week holiday, has been extended by a record 10 days to mark the day.
His father, the popular 85-year-old Akihito, took advantage of his last royal address on Tuesday to express "his deep gratitude to the Japanese people" and pray for peace in the world as the curtain lifted in 30 years of reign.
Historical abdication
The formal abdication of the emeritus emperor took place in the "Hall of Pines" of the Toyko Imperial Palace.
About 300 people, including his wife, attended the ceremony. Empress Emerita Michiko, Naruhito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
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| Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga presents the "Reiwa & # 39; in Tokyo, April 1st [File: Franck Robichon/Reuters] |
In a short speech, Abe thanked Akihito for "always sharing his joy and sorrow with the people".
"While keeping in our hearts the path taken by the emperor, we will make every effort to create a bright future for a proud Japan, full of peace and hope," he added. .
Akihito abdication For the first time in more than 200 years, an emperor had withdrawn from Japan and had to be approved by the Japanese Parliament.
The Emperor Emeritus He badumed the throne on January 8, 1989, at the age of 55, following the death of Emperor Hirohito, in whose name Japan defeated and lost the Second World War World. His pbadage at the head of the monarchy marked the earliest period of modern Japan's history to not be marked by war.
SOURCE:
Al Jazeera and news agencies
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