The new emperor of Japan Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend to the throne today almost 50 years after he lived the life of an everyday Aussie kid.

In 1974 Naruhito's father, Akihito, decided to send his son to Australia for his first overseas trip during which he had the chance to stay with a local family in Melbourne for five days.

The emperor was 14-year-old when he stayed with a host family, the Harpers, in their holiday at Point Lonsdale.

Alex Harper, who was also 14 at the time and is now a doctor, said he remembers it as a positive experience describing him as 'a very polite, very enthusiastic 14-year-old'.

'He came out and stayed with us in a very ordinary beach shack. I think he enjoyed it,' Dr Harper said.

During his stay the prince, Dr Harper and his friend Thomas Harley played on the beach and rode around on old bicycles.

The young boy also enjoyed playing tennis, on one occasion playing a game of doubles with Adam, Alex Harper and Thomas Harley in front of a large amount of media.

Although he was given some freedom while on his stay he was closely watched by the Federal and Victorian Police, as well as the media who were fascinated by the boy.

He was not quite left alone by the palace as he was brought an itinerary and new clothes daily by his secretary along with his own body guard and valet.

On one occasion the boys were able to sneak away from everyone and were able to play some golf, a game that was then considered a 'bourgeois American pastime'.

Dr Harper said at the time Naruhito fear his grandfather Emperor Hirohito would discover their activities.

Thomas Harley, that went on to be a director at BHP, said 'He was a delightful, smart young man. Well, when I met him he was a boy.'

During his time in Australia Naruhito also travelled to Canberra to met with the Governor-General at the time Sir John Kerr.</s>For the first time in more than 200 years, a Japanese emperor has abdicated the Chrysanthemum Throne.

"Since ascending the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so," Emperor Akihito said in a ceremony Tuesday evening at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, according to Japan Times.

"I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the state," the 85-year-old leader said, closing with a prayer for "peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world."

Akihito, who served for 31 years, was the first emperor to serve in the purely symbolic role set forth by Japan's post-World War II constitution, drafted by the United States. He was also the first emperor to marry a commoner, who became Empress Michiko.

The day leading up to his abdication was full of rituals. According to Japanese mythology, the 2,600-year imperial line begins with the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. At dawn, Akihito told the sun goddess he would be abdicating. Later, at the abdication ceremony, Akihito symbolically ended his reign by returning the "three sacred treasures" — a mirror, sword and jewel — that symbolize the throne.

At the evening's ceremony, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised to "continue to do our utmost to make Japan a country which is peaceful, full of hope, and one we can be proud of."

Akihito's son, Naruhito, is set to ascend to the throne on Wednesday. As NPR's Anthony Kuhn told Morning Edition, Naruhito — who studied at Oxford — is considered a cosmopolitan monarch, and is expected to continue his father's quest to bring the monarchy into the modern age. With Naruhito's rule, the new imperial era of "Reiwa" will begin.

Akihito first hinted at abdicating in 2016, when he gave a speech reflecting on his advancing age, and the toll that his tough daily schedule was taking on his health. Abe announced in December 2017 that Akihito would give up the throne in April 2019. The law says emperors rule for life, but the Japanese Parliament passed a one-time exception, allowing Akihito to retire.

The majority of the Japanese public supports Akihito's decision. "I think they see that letting an 85-year-old man retire is really just part of bringing the monarchy into the modern age," Kuhn told NPR's All Things Considered.

Before Akihito, no emperor had abdicated the throne since Kokaku in 1817.</s>Japan's Emperor Akihito says he is abdicating as of Tuesday at a ceremony, in his final official address to his people

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's Emperor Akihito says he is abdicating as of Tuesday at a ceremony, in his final official address to his people.</s>Emperor Naruhito 'filled with a sense of solemnity' as he succeeds his father

Emperor Naruhito 'filled with a sense of solemnity' as he succeeds his father

Naruhito has vowed to continue in his father's footsteps

Japan's new emperor has vowed to follow his father's example by devoting himself to peace and sharing the joys and sorrows of his people.

Emperor Naruhito formally succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne at midnight after his father Akhito became the first ruler to abdicate in more than 200 years.

In his address to the people, the 59-year-old said: "When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity."

Emperor Naruhito added that he will "reflect deeply" on the path trodden by past emperors and promised to abide by the Constitution to fulfil his responsibility as a national symbol.

Wednesday morning's ceremony was Naruhito's first official duty in his new role.

He was presented with the Imperial regalia of a sword and jewel, each in a box and wrapped in cloth.

Only adult male royals participated in the ceremony. His wife Empress Masako and their 17-year-old daughter Princess Aiko were not allowed to take part.

Japan celebrated its 126th emperor in a festive mood during an imperial succession that was triggered by retirement rather than death.

Crowds gathered outside the palace on Tuesday to reminisce about Akihito's era, while others joined midnight events officially took place.

While being driven to the palace, Naruhito smiled and waved at the cheering people lining the streets.

Under Japan's constitution, the emperor is a figurehead who does not have any political power.

Commentators say the new emperor may turn his attention to global issues, including disaster prevention, water conservation and climate change - issues that could appeal to Japan's young.

Naruhito, who is the first emperor to study abroad, is regarded as a new breed of royal - and his outlook was forged by his parents, who themselves defied tradition.

He is the first monarch to be brought up by his parents, as Akihito and Michiko, who was born a commoner, chose to take care of their children rather than having them looked after by palace staff.

Naruhito was a student at the University of Oxford, where he researched the history of the River Thames transportation systems.</s>Japanese emperor Akihito has begun his abdication rituals at a Shinto shrine as the country embraces the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era.

Japanese emperor Akihito has begun his abdication rituals at a Shinto shrine as the country embraces the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era.

Television images showed Akihito in a traditional robe entering the main Shrine of Kashikodokoro to report his retirement to the gods.

The shrine is where the goddess Amaterasu, said to be the direct ancestress of the imperial family, is enshrined. Only part of Akihito’s shrine ritual was released to the public.

In a palace ceremony later in the day, Akihito will announce his retirement before other members of the royal family and top government officials.

His reign runs until midnight when his son Crown Prince Naruhito becomes new emperor and his era begins.

Naruhito will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne on Wednesday.

In a separate ceremony, he will inherit the Imperial regalia of sword and jewel, as well as Imperial seals as proof of his succession as the nation’s 126th emperor in the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy from the 5th century.

Hours before the abdication ceremony, many people were gathering outside the palace compound despite unseasonably wet and cold weather, and even though they are not allowed to look inside.

“We came because today is the last day of (the emperor’s era of) Heisei, and we feel nostalgic,” said Akemi Yamauchi, 55, standing outside the palace with her husband.

“We like the current emperor. He has worked hard for the people, he is very thoughtful, and kind to everyone,” said her husband, Kaname. The couple came from Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital where emperors lived until about 150 years ago.

Japanese television talk shows started a countdown to the midnight transition, and programming was dominated by the abdication and looking back to major events of Akihito’s era.

The 85-year-old took the throne in 1989 and devoted his career to making amends for a war fought in his father’s name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people.

With his commoner-born wife, empress Michiko, he reached out to the people, especially those who faced handicaps and discrimination, as well as those hit by disasters, illuminating the hardships of people often overlooked by society.

Akihito’s efforts won him widespread respect, and recent media surveys have shown public support for the imperial family at 80%, the highest ever for the institution.

Such respect did not come overnight. Akihito grew up during the Second World War and was 11 when his father Hirohito announced the end of the war on radio.

Akihito embraced his role as peacemaker and often represented his father on reconciliatory missions as young crown prince, decades before he became the emperor himself.

He is the first emperor in Japan’s modern history whose era did not have a war. Though he has avoided outright apologies, he has stepped up his expressions of regret in carefully scripted statements on the war.

Akihito visited China in 1992 and offered what was considered the strongest expression of regret over the war.

He has also visited the Philippines and other Pacific islands conquered by Japan that were devastated in fierce fighting as the US-led allies took them back.

Akihito will be known as the emperor emeritus and will no longer have official duties after he abdicates. He will not even attend his son’s succession rituals so as not to interfere with the serving emperor.

Akihito is expected to enjoy his retirement, going to museums and concerts, or spending time on his goby research at a seaside Imperial villa.

Akihito and Michiko will move to a temporary royal residence before eventually switching places with Naruhito.</s>Japan’s emperor Akihito has brought down the curtain on his 30-year reign as head of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy.

His abdication at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Tuesday was marked by a serious of religious rituals and a televised farewell speech.

Akihito said he had reigned “with a deep sense of trust on and respect for the people” and prayed for continued “peace and happiness” as he stepped down.

A survivor of prostate cancer and heart bypass surgery, Akihito (85) first hinted that he wanted to quit in a television address two years ago, before frail health left him unable to perform his official duties.

Japan has not had an emperor abdicate in over 200 years – and the move forced the government to pass one-off legislation allowing Akihito to retire.

Akihito’s eldest son, Naruhito (59) – an-Oxford educated Anglophile who once researched the history of the River Thames – becomes the nation’s 126th emperor at midnight on Tuesday.

In an official ceremony on Wednesday, Naruhito will inherit the symbols of imperial power, including a sword and a jewel supposedly handed down over generations of emperors.

Legend dates the Japanese monarchy back to before the birth of Jesus Christ. The emperor is mythically descended from the sun goddess, Amaterasu.

Akihito’s father, Emperor Hirohito, renounced his divinity during the US-led occupation of Japan after the second World War. Under the constitution, written during the occupation, the emperor is defined as a symbol of state and barred from taking part in politics.

Akihito is credited with helping to redefine the role of the remote monarchy by marrying a commoner and travelling around Japan to meet victims of natural disasters. His frequent visits to Asian countries helped make amends for the damage inflicted by the Japanese military during the Pacific War.

Much of his reign, known as Heisei, was marred by economic stagnation and tragedy, including the 1995 earthquake that destroyed much of Kobe City and the 2011 quake and tsunami that killed thousands and left the country’s north-east coast in ruins. The economy has rebounded over the last decade.

Donald Trump was among the world leaders to thank Akihito for his service, stressing the “tremendous importance” of the US relationship with Japan. Mr Trump will become the first world leader to meet the new emperor later this month, an honour not without risk – given his history of diplomatic faux pas.

The ascension of Akihito’s eldest son leaves just two heirs to the chrysanthemum throne: Naruhito’s brother Akishino and Prince Hisahito, the emperor’s only grandson, aged 12. The dearth of successors means the question of allowing a woman emperor will almost certainly return during Naruhito’s lifetime.

Naruhito married his wife, Masako Owada, a diplomat, in 1993. The couple’s only child Princess Aiko, born in 2001, is barred from becoming empress under Japan’s male-only succession rules. Princess Masako will not attend her husband’s ascension rites, which are limited to male members of the imperial family.

After his installment, Naruhito will move into the Imperial Palace on 115 hectares in the centre of crowded Tokyo. His father will become Emperor Emeritus and retire from all public duties, moving into a residence a few miles away.

Naruhito’s ascension officially begins the Reiwa era, which the government has translated as “beautiful harmony”.

Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, who congratulated Akihito in a letter on Tuesday, said the Heisei era of 1989 to 2019 “will be remembered as an era of peace and stability for Japan”.</s>AP Analysis: New Japanese emperor looks to match father

When Crown Prince Naruhito on Wednesday becomes, by official Japanese count, the 126th person to occupy the Chrysanthemum Throne since 660 B.C., he will be ceremonially armed with the glittering, ancient imperial regalia of sword and jewel.

Beyond the material trappings that accompany what the Japanese claim to be the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchy, however, the new emperor will also receive a much more important, though less dazzling, inheritance: The deep and abiding respect his father, abdicating Emperor Akihito, has accumulated over his three-decade reign.

Replicating this bequest on his own will be Naruhito's greatest challenge.

The love many in Japan feel for 85-year-old Akihito was on full display when he made his last official visit to the winter sumo tournament earlier this year. A huge crowd of people leapt to their feet, whooping and smiling as they held up babies and waved flags.

This outpouring of emotion, however, was earned through much smaller moments, such as his visit in 2011, wearing a windbreaker instead of his usual bespoke suit, to comfort victims of a massive earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdowns. Entering a Tokyo shelter where evacuees were living, he knelt on the wooden floor and listened to the stories of survival and devastation.

"I feel grateful, and it has given me strength," one evacuee told reporters after the visit.

Akihito has no political power under the postwar constitution, and his official duties are heavy on photos, ceremonial visits and foreign trips, his every public move stage-managed by an aggressive and controlling Imperial Household Agency.

Yet, through his dogged outreach to his subjects in Japan, and his expressions of remorse to people in parts of Asia where his father's troops once rampaged, he has redefined the role of emperor and, in the process, made himself much more popular than any elected politician.

"Akihito is leaving some big shoes to fill for Naruhito," said Jeff Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University in Japan. "Akihito has opened the door, and Naruhito seems well placed to continue the work. The problem is you have to earn the moral authority; you're not given it."

Since Akihito took the throne after the death of his father, Hirohito, in 1989, his rule has in many ways been an attempt to come to terms with his father's much darker legacy.

Hirohito spent the first part of his long reign revered as a divinity; he ruled the next four decades stripped of his former powers, a less-than-enthusiastic figurehead who seemed at times bewildered by an economic boom that transformed Japan into a global force by the 1980s.

Akihito's abdication, planned since at least 2016, will ensure a smoother succession for Naruhito. But it's his blueprint for how to be a successful figurehead emperor that may be his best gift to his son.

Emperor worship before the war was largely imposed by militaristic governments, but Akihito won over the public on his own.

It has seemed, at times, like he has been on one long tour, ministering to his subjects time and again after a string of natural disasters, of which Japan is a global leader, and championing, among others, leprosy patients, the elderly and the disabled.

And he has visited World War II battle sites, including Okinawa and the Pacific island of Saipan, to pray for the dead on both sides and express his remorse for the war. A parade of more cautious, little-loved political leaders, by contrast, has tended to shy away from addressing the historical scars that can seem as fresh to Japan's wartime victims in China and Korea, for instance, as they were when the war ended in 1945.

Naruhito's struggle will be to now try to make the same connections his father mastered over the decades.

It will take work. For while there is strong public support for the imperial institution, it is not universally loved.

Many young people just aren't interested. On the left, there's often embarrassment that the country still maintains such an antiquated, socially elevated figurehead. And right-wingers have often found themselves (respectfully) cringing at Akihito's seemingly liberal inclinations.

Because of the barriers that the court throws up around the person of the emperor, it can be difficult to figure out just what sort of person Naruhito is. But there are some clues.

He seems able to laugh at himself: In his memoir, recently republished in English, of his time studying at Oxford in the early 1980s he writes of being banned from a bar because he was wearing jeans, and of almost flooding the student dormitory where he lived because he'd never done laundry before.

He's also loyal: He confronted palace officials over the treatment of his wife, who faced extreme pressure to produce a male heir.

Despite these qualities, though, it's fair to wonder what such a figurehead can contribute as Japan confronts the continuing economic malaise that has followed the boom years; increasing political friction with a rising China; and uncertainty about a fast-aging Japan's place in the region and world.

The answer might have less to do with Naruhito's particular qualities than with the idea of the throne.

Naruhito, when he's invested with the sacred imperial regalia on Wednesday, will become a living link to millennia of history, myth and tradition, a bridge to both the nation's ancient past and its uncertain future. For many, the throne represents a comforting symbol of nation, identity and stability in a constantly shifting world.

"Change is not always a good thing," said Daniel Sneider, a Japan expert and lecturer at Stanford University. "Sometimes the retention of social institutions and traditions is what preserves a society. The imperial institution lends a sense of dignity and civility to Japanese life ... and the Japanese often look to the institution for that sense of themselves."

Foster Klug has covered Asia for The Associated Press since 2005. Follow him at twitter.com/apklug</s>TOKYO - Japan's newly-minted Emperor Naruhito vowed on Wednesday (May 1) to follow the path of his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, in fulfilling his responsibility as the "symbol of the State and of the unity of the People".

This means "always turning my thoughts to the people and standing with them", Emperor Naruhito, 59, said in his first public remarks since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Millions across Japan counted down to midnight to ring in the new Reiwa (beautiful harmony) era, which has been marked by a mood of cautious optimism as a chance to "reset" the stagnation and passivity that had come to define the old Heisei (achieving peace) era.

Emperor Naruhito - whose name comprises characters that mean benevolent and virtuous - was introspective as he laid out his vision for his reign, offering his respect and appreciation for how his father had come to define and embrace the role as a symbol that is spelt out in the Constitution.

"When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity," he said, with his wife Empress Masako, 55, standing beside him.

"Looking back, His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus, since acceding to the Throne, performed each of his duties in earnest for more than 30 years, while praying for world peace and the happiness of the people, and at all times sharing in the joys and sorrows of the people," he said.

"He showed profound compassion through his own bearing," said Emperor Naruhito, at the brief ceremony known as the Sokui go Choken no Gi, held at the most regal of halls at the Imperial Palace, the Matsu no Ma (State Room).

"In acceding to the Throne, I swear that I will reflect deeply on the course followed by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus and bear in mind the path trodden by past emperors, and will devote myself to self-improvement."

Speaking after Emperor Naruhito, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said: "We will look up to the Emperor as the nation's symbol, in our firm determination to foster a society where culture can be nurtured, where the people's hearts and minds are one, and where its people can take pride in a peaceful future that brims with hope despite the turbulent international environment."

Thousands lined the streets along the route between the Akasaka Estate, where the Emperor and Empress reside, and the Imperial Palace, with loud cheers of adulation breaking out as the motorcade passed by.

Earlier on Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito inherited the jewel and the sword - two of Japan's Three Sacred Treasures, or imperial regalia - as well as the state and privy seals, in the Kenji to Shokei no Gi ceremony that was his first official act as Emperor.

Only adult male royals are allowed to attend this core ceremony to mark accession, following a tradition set in 1889 when laws were first spelt out to restrict succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne to only male offspring in the paternal line of the imperial family.

This means that the Kenji to Shokei no Gi was witnessed by just two members of the 18-member royal family - Emperor Naruhito's younger brother Crown Prince Akishino, 53, and his uncle Prince Hitachi, 83.

Crown Prince Akishino's son, Prince Hisahito, 12, who is second in line to the throne is underage, while Emperor Emeritus Akihito is barred from official duties. The other 13 members are women.

But Cabinet ministers must attend the ceremony, which was declared a state event in 1989. As there were no women in the Cabinet in 1989, this means Ms Satsuki Katayama, 59, the minister in charge of regional revitalisation and female empowerment, became the first and only woman to have attended the ceremony, as Mr Abe's sole female Cabinet minister.

The seals and the imperial regalia, which are proof of the Emperor's legitimacy, had been passed down by Emperor Akihito on Tuesday (April 30) as he became the first monarch to abdicate the throne in over two centuries.

Emperor Naruhito, who was educated in Oxford University and is passionate about water conservation causes, can be expected to bring a more global outlook to the throne as Japan woos more tourists and opens up to immigrants, Nagoya University historian Hideya Kawanishi told The Straits Times.



 Japan's Emperor Naruhito (centre), Empress Masako (right), Crown Prince Akishino (background right) 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 on May 1, 2019. PHOTO: REUTERS 



But his succession is bound to spark questions about gender equality over the impending crisis over imperial succession, added Ms Shihoko Goto, senior associate for North-east Asia at the Wilson Centre in Washington.

Japan needs to urgently find solutions to the looming imperial succession crisis, and not kick the can down the road as it has previously done. While there were eight Empresses who oversaw 10 separate reigns in Japan's line of 126 monarchs, only males can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne under the 1889 law.

Empress Masako is a polylinguist and a former career diplomat whom had been part of negotiations to resolve Japan's trade disputes with the United States, but the overwhelming pressure for her to bear a son had caused her to suffer a stress-induced "adjustment disorder" in 2003.

Her only child with Emperor Naruhito, Princess Aiko, 17, is unable to succeed him because she is female. While she largely disappeared from the public eye in the past, she has been slowly recovering and taking on more duties in the past year.

The new royal couple will greet the public on Saturday (May 4), with Emperor Naruhito slated to make hourly appearances on the balcony of the Imperial Palace with other members of the royal family.

Later this month, he will receive United States President Donald Trump as his first state guest.

The official enthronement ceremony has been fixed on Oct 22 - a one-off public holiday - during which he will receive about 2,600 domestic guests and foreign dignitaries from 195 countries around the world.



 People wave Japanese flags as they wait for Emperor Naruhito outside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan on May 1, 2019. PHOTO: REUTERS 



Singapore's then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had attended Emperor Akihito's enthronement ceremony in November 1990.

The same day, a parade will be held for the Emperor and Empress to meet the public.

Undergraduate Tetsu Senoo, 19, hopes Emperor Naruhito will live up to his father's legacy by standing with the people, and acting as the country's foremost icon of peace.

"I hope that Emperor Naruhito will be able to give the people kindness and happiness," he said. "And, pursue world peace like his father did."</s>Japan has witnessed a rare handover of its Chrysanthemum Throne by a living emperor.

New Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne on Wednesday after his father Akihito abdicated Tuesday night and became emperor emeritus. It was Japan's first abdication in two centuries.

The transition started Tuesday as Akihito, wearing a monarch's dark orange robe and a headdress, reported his retirement at three main shrines, including one where the sun goddess Amaterasu, said to be the direct ancestress of the imperial family, is enshrined.

Akihito, 85, later formally announced his retirement in his final address to his people, thanking them for their support.

Akihito took the throne in 1989 and devoted his career to making amends for a war fought in his father's name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people. His era was the first in Japan's modern history without war.

The nation celebrated the imperial succession prompted by retirement rather than death. Many stood outside the palace to reminisce about Akihito's era; others joined midnight events when the transition occurred; and more came to celebrate the beginning of Naruhito's reign.

Naruhito, at a succession ceremony Wednesday, pledged to emulate his father in seeking peace and staying close to the people. He received the imperial regalia of a sacred sword and jewel as proof of his succession.

On his way to and from the palace, he lowered his car window, smiled and waved at people cheering on the sidewalk.

Naruhito is the first emperor born after World War II and the first to have studied overseas.</s>TOKYO - Japan’s new Emperor Naruhito inherited the Imperial regalia of sword and jewel and seals as proof of his succession in his first official duty as emperor Wednesday a day after his father abdicated. Naruhito succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne at midnight after Emperor Emeritus Akihito retired the previous day. At another ceremony later in the morning, Naruhito will make his first address to the people.

His wife, Empress Masako, a Harvard-educated former diplomat, and their daughter Princess Aiko, were barred from the first ceremony, where only adult male royals participated. Only his brother, now Crown Prince Fumihito, and his uncle Prince Hitachi were allowed to witness. Their guests included a female Cabinet minister, however, as the Imperial House Law has no provision on the gender of the commoners in attendance. The regalia, which include sword and jewel, in a box each and wrapped in cloth, were presented to Naruhito, who wore a tuxedo with decorations. Japan was in a festive mood celebrating an imperial succession that occurred by retirement rather than by death. Many people stood outside the palace Tuesday to reminisce about Akihito’s era, others joined midnight events when the transition occurred, and more came to celebrate the beginning of Naruhito’s reign.

From a car window on his way to palace, Naruhito smiled and waved at the people on the sidewalk who cheered him. He and his family still live at the crown prince’s Togu palace until they switch places with his parents. He is the nation’s 126th emperor, according to a palace count historians say could include mythical figures until around the 5th century. The emperor under Japan’s constitution is a symbol without political power. Naruhito is free of influence from Japan’s imperial worship that was fanned by the wartime militarist government that had deified the emperor as a living god until his grandfather renounced that status after Japan’s 1945 war defeat. Naruhito has promised to emulate his father in seeking peace and staying close to people. Palace watchers say he might focus on global issues, including disaster prevention, water conservation and climate change, which could appeal to younger Japanese. He will also face uncertainties in the Imperial household. Only his younger brother, Prince Akishino, 53, and Akishino’s 12-year-old son, Prince Hisahito, can currently succeed him. The Imperial House Law confines the succession to male heirs, leaving Naruhito’s daughter, Aiko, now 17, out of the running.

Naruhito’s wife Masako is a Harvard-educated former diplomat who may prove an adept partner in his overseas travels and activities. But much will depend on her health, since she has been recovering from what the palace describes as stress-induced depression for about 15 years. Naruhito, the first Japanese emperor to have studied abroad, is considered a new breed of royal, his outlook forged by the tradition-defying choices of his parents. Akihito devoted his three-decade career to making amends for a war fought in his father’s name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people. Empress Emeritus Michiko was born a commoner and was Catholic educated. Together, they reached out to the people, especially those who faced handicaps and discrimination, and natural disasters.

Naruhito is also the first monarch raised by his own parents, as Akihito and Michiko, who was born a commoner, chose to take care of their children instead of leaving them in the hands of palace staff. They also supported his choice to attend Oxford University, where he researched the history of the Thames River transportation systems. In an annual news conference marking his Feb. 23 birthday, Naruhito said he was open to taking up a new role that “suits the times.” But he said his father’s work will be his guidepost.
Emperor Akihito abdicates the Chrysanthemum Throne in favor of his elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito. He is the first Emperor to abdicate in over two hundred years, since Emperor Kōkaku in 1817.