Naruhito Endorses World Peace In First Public Appearance

Tokyo: Naruhito, Japan’s new Emperor, on Saturday gave his first public address in this role from the balcony of the Imperial Palace, in which he stressed the need to work toward achieving world peace. Naruhito, 59, ascended to the throne on Wednesday, a day after his father, Akihito, abdicated. He was the first emperor to step down from the throne in more than two centuries, reports Efe news. In a very brief message, Naruhito expressed his desire for “Japan and the international community to come together in pursuing world peace and further development”. Naruhito, who spoke from behind the bullet-proof glass that protects the balcony, was accompanied by Empress Masako and other members of the imperial family. His father, the emperor emeritus, and his mother, Michiko, were not present. Naruhito’s ascension marks the beginning of a new era in Japan. (IANS)

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