Japan welcomes newly crowned emperor Naruhito in Reiwa era

Emperor Emeritus Akihito was 85 years old. Due to his age and illness of health, on tuesday he stepped down. Akihito has two sons. After his abdicate, his elder son, crown prince Naruhito becomes japan's 126th emperor.

The Ceremony for Inheriting the Imperial Regalia and Seals was began at 10:15 local time (01:15 GMT).

New emperor, Naruhito received two objects - a sword and a gem, which are passed down through generations of emperors. It has been seen as the symbols of imperial power.

As a Emperor, Naruhito gave his first address said, "act according to the constitution 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".

Naruhito was 59 years old. He studied bachelor degree in history at Japan's prestigious Gakushuin University and went to Great Britain to study economic history at Oxford University.

He became crown prince at the age of 28. In 1993, he married Masako Owada. Masako was educated at Harvard and Oxford. She had a promising career as a diplomat before her marriage. They had only one child, Princess Aiko, was born in 2001.

To the throne, Naruhito's brother Prince Fumihito will be next in line and his nephew, 12-year-old Prince Hisahito will be second in the line.