In a day marking a new beginning in Japan, the country\u2019s \u2018New Emperor\u2019 Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, 2019. Naruhito is the 126th<\/sup> emperor of Japan.<\/p>\n The successor to the throne will inherit Japan\u2019s Imperial Treasures in a symbolic ceremony as his first duty after being crowned. Naruhito\u2019s reign marks the beginning of the \u2018Reiwa\u2019 era, which means order and harmony.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Crown Prince\u2019s 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\u2019s modern history.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s actions in World War II.<\/p>\n