Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally proclaimed his ascendancy to the throne on Tuesday in a centuries-old ceremony attended by dignitaries from more than 180 countries, pledging to fulfil his duty as a symbol of the state.
Naruhito became emperor and his wife Masako became empress on May 1 in a brief ceremony, but Tuesday’s ‘Sokui no Rei’ was a more elaborate ritual at the royal palace in which he officially announced his change in status to the world.
Emperor Naruhito (left) stands inside the ornate Takamikura throne room and Empress Masako (right) stands inside the smaller Michodai during a ceremony to officially mark his ascension to Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne.
Empress Masako dressed in a royal robe which can weigh as much as 33lbs, making it difficult to walk.
Naruhito read a short speech confirming his enthronement in which he swore to uphold Japan’s constitution, fulfil his role as a symbol of the state, and unite the country’s 127million people.
‘I swear that I will act according to the constitution and fulfil my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people,’ He declared in front of about 2,000 guests, including Britain’s Prince Charles.
Courtesans raises their hands while shouting ‘banzai’, which literally translates as ‘10,000 years of life’ but means something similar to ‘long live the Emperor’.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito departs the Imperial Palace after his enthronement ceremony.
Britain’s Prince Charles chatting with Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik while attending the enthronement ceremony where Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially proclaims his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf (front row left) and his daughter Crown Princess Victoria (front row second left), Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni (second row left), Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (second row fourth from left) and Queen Jetsun Pema (second row third from left) attending the enthronement ceremony.
Minister for Defense Taro Kono, guest, Hitomi Noda and former PM of Japan Yoshihiko Noda attend the Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.
Japan’s Prince Hitachi leaves at the end of the enthronement ceremony of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.
Akishino’s wife, Kiko, officially known as Crown Princess Akishino, follows him out of the ceremony hall.
Fumihito, Naruhito’s brother and officially known as Japanese Crown Prince Akishino (in orange), leaves the ceremony hall after the rituals have taken place.
Empress Masako wearing white joins her husband to report the enthronement ceremony to the Shinto deities, ahead of the ceremony itself.
Duke Henri of Luxembourg arrives at the Imperial Palace to attend the proclamation ceremony of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.
Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, left, and Crown Princess Victoria, right, arrive at the Imperial Palace to attend the ceremony.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, and his wife, Naraporn Chan-ocha
Mongolia’s President Khaltmaagiin Battulga arrives at the Imperial Palace to attend the enthronement ceremony.
Rodrigo Duterte (left), the President of the Philippines, arrives to watch the ceremony along with daughter Sara.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro was among dignitaries from 180 countries invited to watch the ceremony.
Britain’s Prince Charles arrives at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam arrives at the Imperial Palace to attend the proclamation ceremony of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Queen Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah arrive at the Imperial Palace to attend the enthronement ceremony.
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni arrives at the Imperial Palace ahead of the ceremony.
Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was among foreign dignitaries to attend the event.
U. S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao arrives at the Imperial Palace to attend the proclamation ceremony.
Netherland’s King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima arrive at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
China’s Vice President Wang Qishan arrives at the Imperial Palace to attend the proclamation ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.
Vatican’s Cardinal Francesco Monterisi arrives at the Imperial Palace.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and his wife Doris Schmidauer arrive at the Imperial Palace.
India’s President Ram Nath Kovind and wife Savita represent their country among dignitaries from 180 nations
