In front of his family and dignitaries from around the world, Japan's Emperor Naruhito on Tuesday morning officially proclaimed his enthronement inside the Imperial Palace.
The ceremony's rituals are known as "Sokui no Rei," and at one point boxes were placed near Naruhito's throne that are said to contain a sword and jewel that date back almost 2,700 years; because these are sacred items, they have never been viewed by the public. Naruhito donned ceremonial robes, as did his wife, Empress Masako. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a speech, ending with cheers of, "Long live the emperor!"
Out of respect for the nearly 80 people who died earlier this month during Typhoon Hagibis, a celebratory parade was postponed. A banquet will be held on Tuesday night, with guests including Britain's Prince Charles and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam.
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Naruhito, 59, assumed the throne in May when his father, Akihito, abdicated. He is the 126th emperor of Japan, and will reign over the "Reiwa," or "beautiful harmony," era. In Japan, the emperor has no political power and is viewed primarily as a symbolic figure. On Friday, Japan's government announced that in honor of the enthronement, 550,000 petty criminals will receive pardons.
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