Emperor Naruhito proclaims his ascent to the throne (Photos)

The 59-year-old monarch: " I pledge hereby that I shall act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan". For the ceremony, the government strengthened security with 26 thousand police officers mobilized from all over Japan. The emperor and empresses emeritus were absent.

Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - This morning the Japanese emperor Naruhito proclaimed his ascent to the Chrysanthemum Throne in a solemn ceremony at the Imperial Palace according to an ancient protocol. About 2 thousand guests took part in the function, including dignitaries from about 190 countries and international organizations.

" I pledge hereby that I shall act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people of Japan," said the 59-year-old monarch from within the 6.5-meter high "Takamikura" canopy throne.

Dressed in the "Korozen no goho" - a dark orange dress dating back to the 9th century that emperors wear on special occasions - the emperor added that he always wants " the happiness of the people and the peace of the world, turning my thoughts to the people and standing by them”.

The heavy rains of the morning prompted the Imperial House Agency to reduce the number of masters of ceremonies in traditional clothing from about 70 and move them inside the Palace from the courtyard, where they were originally planned with swords and bows.

At the beginning of the day, the imperial couple, dressed in a tunic and a white layered kimono, visited the three shrines inside the palace precincts. Among these is the Kashikodokoro, a temple dedicated to the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu, from whom the imperial family is said to descend.

For the ceremony, the government strengthened security with 26 thousand police officers mobilized from all over Japan. The emperor succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1st. The day before, his 85-year-old father, emperor emeritus Akihito, had become the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in about 200 years. Akihito and his wife Michiko did not take part in the ceremony.