TOKYO, Oct 22 (NNN-XINHUA) – Japanese Emperor Naruhito, on Tuesday (today), proclaimed his enthronement in a highly ritualised, ancient-style ceremony held in the Seiden State Hall at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, in front of 2,000 guests from around the world.
In the official coronation ceremony known as “Sokuirei Seiden no gi,” the 59-year-old emperor, wearing a dark reddish-brown robe known as a “Korozen no goho” only worn by emperors, made his ascension to the 6.5-metre-high canopied Takamikura imperial throne.
Flanked by the imperial sword and jewel, two of the three items of imperial regalia inherited by the emperor as proofs of his ascension, along with the state and privy seals, Emperor Naruhito proceeded to proclaim his enthronement. Empress Masako was seated on the adjacent Michodai throne, wearing a layered court kimono.
Following the emperor’s proclamation, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, wearing a black tail coat and white bow tie, paid his formal congratulatory tribute to the emperor from the lower floor of the “Matsu-no-Ma” state room.
Abe said he was deeply touched by the emperor’s words on contributing to the friendship and peace of the international community, as well as to the welfare and prosperity of mankind.
“I hereby pray for peace in the era of Reiwa and extend my best wishes for the imperial household to flourish further,” said the Japanese leader in his closing remarks to Emperor Naruhito.
The Japanese premiere then led the attendees in three rounds of “banzai” cheers, which were followed by a 21-gun salute.– NNN-XINHUA