Japan’s emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako made their first public appearance on the balcony of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace on Saturday. In his address, the ruler called for global peace, SkyNews reported.
Thousands of Japanese people have the opportunity to see Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako during the day. On Saturday, the imperial couple will appear six times during the day, so, as many as 100,000 people will see the new ruler on the balcony of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.
After the abdication of Emperor Akihito, the 59-year-old crown prince Naruhito has ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne. His wife Masako automatically got a title of Empress.
Naruhito’s first appearance on Saturday
Reading from notes, the new emperor told the crowd he prays for people’s health and happiness.
“And I sincerely wish for further development of our nation by going hand in hand with other nations and seeking global peace,” he added.
This week, Japan is celebrating the beginning of Reiwa era, a new phase in the history of monarchy and Asian country. Japanese clubs held countdowns, there were fireworks, shops held sales to honour the new emperor, and hundreds of couples rushed to register their marriages.
Although Japanese emperors have no political power, according to the Constitution, Naruhito has vowed to follow his father’s pacifist principles.
Akihito will hold a new title – Emperor Emeritus – will be fully retired from official duties soon.
