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WORLD NEWS Thursday 2 May 2019

On 1st day as Japan's emperor, Naruhito vows to pursue peace

By MARI YAMAGUCHI Naruhito's grandfather re-
Associated Press nounced that status after
TOKYO (AP) — Emperor Na- the country's 1945 war de-
ruhito inherited the sacred feat.
sword and jewel that sig- Akihito during his three-
naled his succession and decade reign embraced
pledged in his first public an identity as peacemaker
address Wednesday to fol- and often made reconcil-
low his father's example by iatory missions and care-
devoting himself to peace fully scripted expressions of
and sharing the people's regret on the war. His im-
joys and sorrows. mersion in that role leaves
Naruhito, the first modern Naruhito largely free of the
emperor to have studied burden of the wartime leg-
abroad and the first born acy, allowing him to carve
after Japan's defeat in his own path.
World War II, formally ac- Palace watchers say he
ceded to the Chrysanthe- might focus on global is-
mum Throne at midnight sues, including disaster pre-
after his father Akihito abdi- vention, water conserva-
cated Tuesday. tion and climate change,
"When I think about the im- Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, accompanied by new Empress Masako, makes his first address which could appeal to
portant responsibility I have during a ritual after succeeding his father Akihito at Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Wednesday, May younger Japanese, while
assumed, I am filled with a 1, 2019. also emulating his father's
sense of solemnity," Naruhi- Associated Press focus on peace.
to said in his address. That's what many Japa-
While noting his father's to the people, especially death. Many people stood peaceful and full of hope. nese hope Naruhito will
devotion to praying for those who faced disability, outside the palace Tuesday Naruhito also received con- pursue.
peace, Naruhito said he'll discrimination and natural to reminisce about Akihito's gratulations from abroad. "I hope the new emperor
"reflect deeply" on the path disasters. era; others joined midnight President Donald Trump's will be like the Heisei em-
trodden by Akihito and past Naruhito was presented events when the transition message said America and peror (Akihito), who cher-
emperors. He promised to with the imperial sword occurred, and more came Japan will renew the bonds ishes peace," said Takayori
abide by the constitution and jewel, each in a box to celebrate the beginning of friendship in the new era. Kobayakawa, a 71-year-
that stripped emperors of and wrapped in cloth, at of Naruhito's reign. Chinese President Xi Jin- old retiree from Shizuoka,
political power, and to ful- a morning ceremony that Dozens of couples lined ping was quoted by state central Japan. "I have high
fill his responsibility as a na- marked his first official duty. up at government offices media as saying China and hopes for him."
tional symbol while "always His wife and daughter, Em- to submit marriage docu- Japan should work togeth- Naruhito also faces un-
turning my thoughts to the press Masako and 17-year- ments to mark the first day er to promote peace and certainties in the imperial
people and standing with old Princess Aiko, were of Naruhito's era, known as development and bilateral household. Crown Prince
them." barred from the ceremo- Reiwa, or "beautiful harmo- ties. Fumihito, 53, and Fumihi-
"I sincerely pray for the hap- ny, which only adult male ny." From a car window on his to's 12-year-old son, Prince
piness of the people and royals — his brother, now Natsumi Nishimura, a way to and from the pal- Hisahito, can currently
the further development Crown Prince Fumihito, 27-year-old saleswoman, ace, Naruhito smiled and succeed him. The Impe-
of the nation as well as the and his uncle Prince Hita- and Keigo Mori, a 32- year- waved at people cheering rial House Law confines the
peace of the world," he chi — were allowed to wit- old government worker, on the sidewalk. He and his succession to male heirs,
said. ness. Their guests included were at a Tokyo office on family will continue living at leaving Naruhito's daugh-
Naruhito is considered a a female Cabinet minister, Wednesday, saying they his Togu Palace until they ter out of the running.
new breed of royal, his out- however, as the Imperial decided to tie the knot at switch places with his par- Naruhito's wife, Empress
look forged by the tradi- House Law has no provision the start of a new era to ents after refurbishments. Masako, is a Harvard-ed-
tion-defying choices of his on the gender of common- mark their new life togeth- Naruhito, 59, is the nation's ucated former diplomat
parents. Emperor Emeritus ers in attendance. er. 126th emperor, accord- who may prove an adept
Akihito devoted his three- The banning of female roy- "Opportunities like this ing to a palace count that partner in his overseas trav-
decade career to making als at the ceremony under- don't come by often so we historians say likely includ- els and activities. But much
amends for a war fought scored the uncertain future thought it would be a day ed mythical figures until will depend on her health,
in his father's name while of a paternalistic imperial we won't forget," Nishimura around the 5th century. since she has been recov-
bringing the aloof monar- family that now has just two said. The emperor under Japan's ering from what the palace
chy closer to the people. heirs. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Constitution is a symbol describes as stress-induced
Naruhito's mother, Michiko, Nevertheless, Japan fes- congratulated Naruhito without political power. depression for about 15
was born a commoner and tively celebrated an impe- on his ascension, pledging Wartime militarist govern- years. He recently said he
was Catholic educated. rial succession prompted to create a "bright future" ments worshipped the em- hopes Masako might slowly
Together, they reached out by retirement rather than during the new era that is peror as a living god until expand her role.q