Naruhito becomes Japan’s new emperor as he vows to pursue peace in new era

Emperor Naruhito took over the sacred sword and jewel on Wednesday that heralded his succession as the 126th member in his household to rule Japan, pledging in his first public address to follow his father’s example by devoting himself to peace and sharing the people’s joys and sorrows.

Naruhito, the first Japanese emperor to have studied abroad and the first born after Japan’s defeat in World War II, formally claimed the Chrysanthemum Throne in the early hours of Wednesday after his father Akihito, on Tuesday, became the first emperor to abdicate the throne in more than two centuries.

Read also: Japanese emperor Akihito becomes first Emperor to abdicate in 200 years

According to BBC, 59-year-old Naruhito expressed gratitude towards his father Emperor Emeritus Akihito noting his father’s devotion to praying for peace

“[He] performed each of his duties in earnest for more than 30 years,” he said. “He showed profound compassion through his own bearing. I would like to express my heartfelt respect and appreciation.”

His wife and daughter, Empress Masako and 17-year-old Princess Aiko, were barred from the ceremony, but Female royals were allowed to attend the second part of the ceremony, where the emperor gave his first audience after ascending the throne.

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