The Rugby World Cup has taken a back seat in Japan as the country welcomes in a new emperor.
Fifty-nine-year-old Emperor Naruhito is being crowned the head of the world’s oldest royal family in a centuries-old ceremony in Tokyo.
Who is he?
Emperor Naruhito is a descendent of the Imperial family. In May, he officially took over the reins when a law change allowed his elderly father, Emperor Akihito, to become the first royal in 200 years to abdicate the throne.
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Today marks the beginning of formal rituals and traditions that surround the accession to the throne.
Before the official ceremony, he performed a ritual by visiting three key sites on palace grounds to pay homage to the sun goddess, the souls of his ancestors, and other deities.
Emperor Naruhito’s reign will become a symbol of the archaic laws and traditions that surround the royal family. Naruhito is married with one daughter, but Japanese law means a woman cannot take over, and unless there’s a law change, Emperor Naruhito’s nephews will be next in line to the throne.
What is an enthronement ceremony?
The enthronement ceremony is surrounded by pomp and pageantry and is the equivalent of to a coronation. Naruhito wore traditional orange robe and headdress as his father did nearly three decades ago.
Who attended?
More than 2000 people attended including almost 200 political leaders and royalty. Britain’s Prince Charles was among the guests along with New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy.
Naruhito has ties to New Zealand. He first visited in 2002 with his young family.
What powers does he have?
With no political power, he’s a symbol of the state, representing the unity of Japan.
His accession marks the start of the Reiwa Era in Japan which translates to “beautiful harmony”.
His reign will be a symbol of the archaic laws and traditions that surround the royal family.
Newshub.
