(CNN) Crown Prince Naruhito, who on Wednesday ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne to become Japan's 126th emperor, has pledged to bring the world's oldest monarchy closer to the people. The Imperial Palace, seen on April 29, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan, ahead of Emperor Akihito's abdication. Naruhito himself is a direct descendant of Japan's first emperor Jimmu, circa 660 BC. Members of the royal family wave to the crowd during the New Year's greeting ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in January 2019. Japan's Emperor Akihito and his son, Crown Prince Naruhito wave to the crowd during the New Year's greeting ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2, 2019.

Source: CNN April 30, 2019 07:01 UTC