Friday 26th April 2024
In a day marking a new beginning in Japan, the country’s ‘New Emperor’ Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, 2019. Naruhito is the 126th emperor of Japan.
The successor to the throne will inherit Japan’s Imperial Treasures in a symbolic ceremony as his first duty after being crowned. Naruhito’s reign marks the beginning of the ‘Reiwa’ era, which means order and harmony.
The Crown Prince’s accession comes a day after his father, Emperor Akihito stepped down from the thrown in nearly 200 years of his reign. Akihito becomes the first monarch to do so in Japan’s modern history.
The 85-year old royal was given legal permission to abdicate his throne, after he stated reasons of ill health and old age for his failure to fulfill his role. The emperor in Japan has no political power but is a national symbol.
Emperor Akihito will be fondly remembered for connecting with his people in a much more meaningful way than other Japanese emperors and for expressing remorse over Japan’s actions in World War II.
Nepali Sansar expresses its heartiest congratulations and best wishes on Japan’s Emperor Naruhito’s accession.
