OREANDA-NEWS. The Emperor Naruhito announced his enthronement, he became the 126th monarch of Japan.

The ceremony in its present form exists for more than 200 years. Since 1869, it is used not Chinese, but Japanese ceremonial clothes.

The enthronement ceremony confirmed that Naruhito succeeded the Emperor Akihito, who had abdicated earlier. Naruhito became the first Japanese emperor born after the Second World War.

The event was visited by about 2 thousand guests from more than 190 countries.

During the ceremony, Naruhito and his wife Masako visited three sacred Shinto monasteries located in the imperial palace.

The ceremony lasted about half an hour. The emperor stepped on the Takamikura throne and officially announced his accession to the throne.

This was followed by a congratulatory speech of the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and banzai exclamation, a traditional greeting-wish to the Emperor for many years of life.

Then a series of court banquets will take place in honor of the Emperor’s enthronement. The first will be held at the Imperial Palace on the same day.

In honor of a significant event, the Emperor pardoned 550 thousand people convicted of minor crimes, including violations of traffic rules and election laws.

The Japanese government decided to postpone the parade in honor of the Emperor’s accession from October 22 to November 10. Officials say the goal is to deal with the large damage done by typhoon Hagibis. During the parade, the imperial couple will drive through Tokyo in an open-top limousine. The parade will be a chance for people to congratulate the Emperor and the Empress.