|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Japan’s new Emperor Naruhito inherited the sacred sword and jewel that signaled his succession and pledged in his first public address on Wednesday morning to follow his father’s example by devoting himself to peace and sharing the people’s joys and sorrows.
Naruhito, the first modern emperor to have studied abroad and the first born after Japan’s defeat in World War II, formally succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne at midnight after his father Akihito abdicated Tuesday.
‘When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity,’ Naruhito said in his address.
While noting his father’s devotion to praying for peace, Naruhito said he’ll ‘reflect deeply’ on the path trodden by Akihito and past emperors.
He promised to abide by the constitution that stripped emperors of political power, and to fulfill his responsibility as a national symbol while ‘always turning my thoughts to the people and standing with them.’
‘I sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world,’ he said.
Naruhito is considered a new breed of royal, his outlook forged by the tradition-defying choices of his parents. Emperor Emeritus Akihito devoted his three-decade career to making amends for a war fought in his father’s name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people.
Naruhito’s mother, Michiko, was born a commoner and was Catholic educated. Together, they reached out to the people, especially those who faced disability, discrimination and natural disasters.
Naruhito was presented with the Imperial sword and jewel, each in a box and wrapped in cloth, at a morning ceremony that marked his first official duty.
[…]
See Also:
