Japan's Emperor Naruhito pledges to work as symbol of the people

Former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko stepped down on Tuesday after three decades as the nation’s top royals in a brief, simple ceremony, with Akihito thanking the people of Japan and saying he prayed for peace.

Naruhito, 59, technically succeeded his father just as Tuesday became Wednesday but his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne was formalized in a mid-morning ceremony, the first part of which his wife and other royal women were unable to attend.

Naruhito, the first emperor born after World War Two and the first to be raised solely by his parents, expressed gratitude for his parents’ work over the past three decades and said he felt solemn at the thought of the burden he is taking on.

“I pledge that I will always think of the people, and while drawing close to them, fulfill my duties as a symbol of the Japanese state and the unity of the Japanese people in accordance with the constitution,” Naruhito, wearing a tailcoat and several large medals, said with a small smile.

“I sincerely hope for the happiness of the people and further progress of the country, and for world peace,” he said.

In the first stage of the ceremony, imperial chamberlains carried state and privy seals into the hall along with two of Japan’s “Three Sacred Treasures” - a sword and a jewel - which together with a mirror are symbols of the throne.

They are said to originate in ancient mythology.

Naruhito was flanked by his brother and heir, Crown Prince Akishino, during the simple, brief ceremony.

His wife, Empress Masako, was not in the room in accordance with custom barring female royals, but for the first time a woman did watch - Satsuki Katayama, who was taking part as a member of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet.

Masako, wearing a floor-length white dress and a tiara, entered the room for the second part of the ceremony with the other adult royal women.

Abe said Japan looked up to the emperor.

“We are determined to create, amidst the fast-changing international environment, a bright future for a proud Japan that is peaceful and full of hope,” he added.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who will be the new imperial couple’s first diplomatic test on a state visit later in May, also extended his congratulations.

“As the Japanese people embark upon a new era, we will renew the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries,” he said in a statement.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent congratulations, reported state news agency Xinhua. South Korean President Moon Jae-in did so the day before, in a message that thanked Akihito for promoting peace and bilateral ties.