Tokyo: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani participated in the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito of Japan in Tokyo.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito officially proclaimed his enthronement before 2,000 guests, including dignitaries from about 190 countries and international organizations, in a solemn ceremony featuring elements of ancient protocol.

“I pledge hereby that I shall act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan,” the 59-year-old emperor said from inside the 6.5-meter-high canopied Takamikura imperial throne during the ceremony.

Dressed in a “Korozen no goho,” a dark-orange robe with a design dating back to the ninth century that emperors wear on special occasions, the Emperor added that he always wishes for “the happiness of the people and the peace of the world.”

Empress Masako in layered court kimono was seated on the adjacent Michodai throne.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe then delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of people of Japan.

“We will make our utmost efforts to create a peaceful, bright future full of hope for Japan” and an era where people come together to develop the country’s culture,” Abe said.
The Emperor succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, the day after his 85-year-old father, former Emperor Akihito, stepped down as the first Japanese monarch to do so in about 200 years.