New Japanese emperor vows to stand with people

By Emre Aytekin

ANKARA (AA) - Japanese Emperor Naruhito acceded the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday after his father and former Emperor Akihito abdicated a day earlier.

"In acceding to the throne, I swear that I will reflect deeply on the course followed by his majesty the emperor emeritus [Akihito] and bear in mind the path trodden by past emperors, and will devote myself to self-improvement," Naruhito said after enthronement, according to the Kyodo news agency.

"I also swear that I will act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan, while always turning my thoughts to the people and standing with them," he added.

Naruhito congratulated representatives of the government, parliament and the high judiciary on the invitation of royal members.

Representing the Japanese people, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thanked the new emperor.

And Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu sent a congratulatory message on social media.

"Congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan Naruhito, who has succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne today. Hope that the Reiwa era will bring peace and prosperity to the friendly Japanese people." he wrote on Twitter.

- Era of "Heisei"

Akihito came to the throne Jan. 8, 1989, following the death of Emperor Hirohito. His father's sovereignty coincided with the years of war, while Akihito's era was called "Heisei," or "attaining peace".

He announced in 2016 he would leave the throne due age-related health problems. Parliament passed a special law to ensure this transition for the first time in Japanese history after 202 years.

- Era of "Reiwa”

Naruhito's period will be called "Reiwa," or “the harmony of order,” expressing the hope that peace and stability will continue to adapt to the conditions created by the new era.

He was born Feb. 23, 1960, in Tokyo. In 1982, he graduated from Gakushuuin School, where most of his family attended, where he studied history.

Afterwards, Naruhito studied at Merton College of Oxford University and became the first dynasty member to be trained outside Japan.

Naruhito married diplomat Masako Owada and their daughter, Aiko, was born in 2001.

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur