What's New

     On May 1, His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito acceded to the Imperial Throne as the 126^th Emperor of Japan, at the ceremony held at Imperial Palace. His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito attended the First Audience immediately after, and met with the representatives of the people of Japan. His Majesty addressed the people for the first time as their Emperor, stating "I will 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." "I sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world," the new emperor said. His reign, the new Imperial Era ‘Reiwa’, which means ‘beautiful harmony’ also started May 1.

     On the day before, April 30^th, His Majesty the Emperor Akihito formally abdicated from the Imperial Throne at the Abdication Ceremony held at Imperial Palace. Upon seeing the representatives of the people of Japan, His Majesty Akihito declared his abdication, thanking the people of Japan for their support as well as expressing hope for peace and prosperity to Japan and the world.


Biographies of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako