Japanese Emperor Naruhito ascends Chrysanthemum Throne

The proclamation is largely meant to allow the government to showcase the monarchy to win public support and to preserve Japan's cultural heritage, historians say.

Despite the time, effort and cost put into preparations, the ceremony lasted only about 30 minutes.

The enthronement ceremony was originally modeled after one by the ancient Tang dynasty of China and the second of a three-part process following the May succession. Next month sees the highly religious and divisive ritual of the Grand Harvest.