TOKYO – Japanese Emperor Naruhito has formally taken up his post a day after the abdication of his father, saying he felt a “sense of solemnity” but pledging to work as a symbol of the nation and the unity of its 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 formalised 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.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attend a ritual called Kenji-to-Shokei-no-gi, a ceremony for inheriting the imperial regalia and seals, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan May 1, 2019, in this photo released by Kyodo. (Photo: Kyodo via Reuters)

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.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, flanked by Empress Masako, attends a ceremony called Sokui-go-Choken-no-gi, his first audience after the accession to the throne , at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, May 1, 2019. (Photo: Japan Pool/ Pool via Reuters)

“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.

Japan’s ties with its Asian neighbours have long been plagued by bitter wartime memories, and while relations with Beijing have improved lately, those with Seoul are frosty.

HIGH HOPES

Given the backgrounds of Naruhito and his wife, Masako, a 55-year-old former diplomat – which include extended experience studying and living overseas – hopes are high they may be more international in their outlook and closer to the lives of many Japanese.

“The curtain has gone up on a new era that will be filled with hope,” said Hiroshi Takahashi, 78, outside his ‘wagashi’ traditional Japanese sweets shop.

“The new emperor has an admirable personality and I hope he creates a fine royal household that expresses his own personality,” he said.

The last imperial succession in 1989 took place during mourning for Akihito’s father, Hirohito.

People wave flags and take pictures as the motorcade transporting Japan’s Emperor Naruhito leaves the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan May 1, 2019. (Photo: Reuters)

This time the mood is more festive. Japan has been draped in banners welcoming Reiwa – the name of the new era for Naruhito’s reign – during an unprecedented 10-day holiday. Countdown events were held on Tuesday night in clubs throughout the nation, with people cheering as the clocked ticked down to midnight and fireworks shooting into the sky in some areas.

On Wednesday morning, electric signs in Tokyo’s subway system bore messages “congratulating the emperor on his accession” and workers in a downtown Tokyo electronics store wore red shirts saying “Happy New Era Reiwa.”

His formal enthronement will take place at a more elaborate ceremony in October attended by dignitaries from Japan and around the world.

Though the royal family is broadly popular, opponents of the imperial system clashed with right-wingers at a demonstration on Tuesday, and the two groups had to be separated by police.

Japanese media said two people were arrested.

Naruhito’s passion for water conservation dates from his study of medieval transportation and includes an interest in other environmental topics. Masako has expressed an interest in topics related to children in trouble or living in poverty.

Though Masako struggled with a stress-related illness described by palace officials as an “adjustment disorder” that kept her largely out of the public eye for years, her public appearances have recently increased.

Reuters