TOKYO (Reuters) - The following is an English translation by the Imperial Household Agency of Japanese Emperor Naruhito's speech on Wednesday at his accession ceremony. "I have hereby succeeded to the Throne pursuant to the Constitution of Japan and the Special Measures Law on the Imperial House Law. "When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity. I would like to express my heartfelt respect and appreciation of the comportment shown by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people of Japan. I sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world."

Source: The Star May 01, 2019 03:00 UTC