Japan’s Emperor, Empress Masako participate in Motor Parade

Tokyo: Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Sunday participated in a motor parade here to celebrate the recent enthronement. Surrounded by an escort team riding 16 motorcycles, the royal couple set out in a convertible Toyota Century sedan, specially remodeled for the occasion which was fitted with white tapestries and its height and angles designed to help spectators get a better view of the royals over the 4.6-km long route, Efe news reported.

According to estimates, more than 100,000 people gathered along the route, waving the national flag and taking photos of the parade, which lasted half an hour. Many had travelled from across the country to witness the occasion. This was the first parade held by the couple since their 1993 wedding and following the official enthronement ceremony on October 22. The ceremony had been postponed due to the damage caused by powerful Typhoon Hagibis, which killed dozens of people and caused significant damage in eastern and central Japan, and in consideration for the victims’ families. Many people had been unable to watch the enthronement ceremonies because of power outages due to the typhoon damage. (IANS)

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