Japan's new Emperor Naruhito vowed to fulfill his duty as a symbol of state and people as defined under Japan's Constitution in his first address Wednesday, a day after his father abdicated.
He is the nation's 126th emperor, according to a palace count that historians say likely included mythical figures until around the 5th century.
During the ceremony based on the Constitution and the special measures law on the Imperial House Law, the Emperor announced that he has taken over the throne and prayed for "the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world".
Then-Princess, now Empress Masako expressed her joy at Toshi's birth, but in a country where girls can't take the throne, it wasn't good enough for everyone.
Japan's new Emperor Naruhito makes history at accession ceremony On Wednesday, Japan's Emperor Naruhito made history with his accession ceremony following his father Emperor Akihito's abdication of the throne.
As CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer reported on Wednesday, Naruhito is widely expected to continue the work of his father; humanizing the emperor's role, as well as pressing for modern reforms to normalize life for the royal family.
"I believe that just as new winds blow in every age, the role of the imperial family changes in each age as well", Naruhito said at a news conference on his birthday in 2017.
He received the imperial regalia of a sacred sword and jewel as proof of his succession.
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"The new emperor has an admirable personality and I hope he creates a fine royal household that expresses his own personality", he said. The name appears on coins, newspapers, driver's licences and official documents; it also stands for a certain period and what is seen as its defining spirit - such as "the 90s" or "the Victorian era", the BBC wrote in an explainer on the new Emperor and his gengo.
Masako, who reportedly suffers from a stress disorder, had admitted in December that she felt "insecure" about becoming empress but pledged to do her best to serve the people of Japan.
First in line after Naruhito is his younger brother, Akishino, 53, followed by Akishino's son, 12-year-old Hisahito. However, Japan's current law restricts females from inheriting the throne.
Masako was educated at Harvard and Oxford and had a promising career as a diplomat before her marriage.
Why is the Japanese monarchy important?
Japan has witnessed a rare handover of its Chrysanthemum Throne by a living emperor.
Abe said Japan looked up to the emperor.
Akihito will now be known as "Joko", which means "grand emperor", and by the English title "Emperor Emeritus", while his wife Michiko will be "Empress Emerita".
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