Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascends Chrysanthemum Throne

"I hereby proclaim to inside and outside of the country that I have enthroned," Naruhito said as he stood inside the Imperial Throne. "I hereby 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 praying for the happiness of the people and the peace of the world as I always stand with the people."

Naruhito, in a formal brownish-orange robe that has been dyed in sappanwood and Japanese wax tree bark and a black headdress decorated with an upright tail, appeared as a pair of black-robed chamberlains opened the purple curtains of the throne at the sound of a bell.