TOKYO—Emperor Naruhito proclaimed his accession to the throne, accompanied by three shouts of “banzai”—a wish for a long life—and a 21-gun salute. The 59-year-old Naruhito became emperor in May following the abdication of his 85-year-old father, now known as Emperor Emeritus Akihito. In two ceremonies Tuesday, Naruhito first reported the news to his ancestors at the Imperial Palace in the morning, then in the afternoon gave a short televised speech standing on a canopied platform in a red-orange robe.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 22, 2019 01:41 UTC