US President Donald Trump on Monday (Oct 27) received a royal welcome in Japan and met with the country’s Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo. Trump will also be meeting with newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first woman leader, as part of the high-stakes visit. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade and the future of the US–Japan partnership as Trump seeks to reshape economic ties across Asia.&nbsp;Praising Takaichi, Trump said that he had heard “phenomenal things” about her and hailed her as a close ally of his late friend, former prime minister Shinzo Abe, saying that “really helps Japan and the United States,” as quoted by the Associated Press.On his Asia tour, Trump announced investment and trade deals with four Southeast Asian nations. He is also expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday. Trump has said he believes that US and China can agree on a deal to ease tensions.“I’ve got a lot of respect for President Xi and I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One before landing in Tokyo.Trump was greeted by Japanese officials on the tarmac. He then took a night tour of the city by flying in helicopter. He later met Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace.&nbsp;Japan is a key partner for the United States in both trade and security in Asia. Trump said he aims to highlight the “great friendship” between the US and Japan during the talks in Tokyo.&nbsp;

Trump will also be meeting with newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first woman leader, as part of the high-stakes visit.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Oct 27) received a royal welcome in Japan and met with the country’s Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo. Trump will also be meeting with newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first woman leader, as part of the high-stakes visit. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade and the future of the US–Japan partnership as Trump seeks to reshape economic ties across Asia. Praising Takaichi, Trump said that he had heard “phenomenal things” about her and hailed her as a close ally of his late friend, former prime minister Shinzo Abe, saying that “really helps Japan and the United States,” as quoted by the Associated Press. On his Asia tour, Trump announced investment and trade deals with four Southeast Asian nations. He is also expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday. Trump has said he believes that US and China can agree on a deal to ease tensions. “I’ve got a lot of respect for President Xi and I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One before landing in Tokyo. Trump was greeted by Japanese officials on the tarmac. He then took a night tour of the city by flying in helicopter. He later met Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace. Japan is a key partner for the United States in both trade and security in Asia. Trump said he aims to highlight the “great friendship” between the US and Japan during the talks in Tokyo.

Trump will also be meeting with newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first woman leader, as part of the high-stakes visit.

Trump receives royal welcome in Japan, meets Emperor Naruhito

A 29-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into the Tokyo residence of Emperor Naruhito, where he reportedly spent two hours before being discovered, local media said Sunday.

The man, who has not been named, entered the usually heavily guarded Akasaka residential complex for imperial family members through the adjacent guesthouse on Saturday night, Fuji News Network (FNN) said.

He was caught by the Imperial Guard near the residence of Princess Yuriko, the great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito, about two hours after he broke in, the broadcaster said, quoting police officials.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-calls-for-state-of-emergency-over-third-wave-of-coronavirus-354086">Tokyo calls for state of emergency over third wave of coronavirus</a>

FNN said the man had gained access via the entrance gate of the guesthouse, which was not guarded at the time.

The break-in was also reported by TBS news, which said the suspect had told police: "I wanted to meet members of the imperial family."

There were no details on whether the man had encountered any royals, but local media said no one was injured in the incident.

Local police declined to comment and the Imperial Household Agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, after his father abdicated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-olympics-paralympics-on-track-despite-surge-in-infections-353970">WATCH|</a>

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He and his wife Empress Masako delivered the traditional New Year's greeting on Friday by video message for the first time, after their usual appearance was cancelled to avoid crowds gathering as the country battles a third wave of coronavirus.

The incident is not the first time intruders have breached palace security.

In May 2020, a Japanese man was arrested after swimming across the Imperial Palace's moat to scale an outer wall and enter off-limits parts of the grounds.

And in years past, both Japanese and foreigners have been held after swimming across the moat, including a Brit who did so naked.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into the Tokyo residence of Emperor Naruhito, where he reportedly spent two hours before being discovered, local media said Sunday.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into the Tokyo residence of Emperor Naruhito, where he reportedly spent two hours before being discovered, local media said Sunday. The man, who has not been named, entered the usually heavily guarded Akasaka residential complex for imperial family members through the adjacent guesthouse on Saturday night, Fuji News Network (FNN) said. He was caught by the Imperial Guard near the residence of Princess Yuriko, the great-aunt of Emperor Naruhito, about two hours after he broke in, the broadcaster said, quoting police officials. Also read| Tokyo calls for state of emergency over third wave of coronavirus FNN said the man had gained access via the entrance gate of the guesthouse, which was not guarded at the time. The break-in was also reported by TBS news, which said the suspect had told police: "I wanted to meet members of the imperial family." There were no details on whether the man had encountered any royals, but local media said no one was injured in the incident. Local police declined to comment and the Imperial Household Agency did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, after his father abdicated. WATCH| × He and his wife Empress Masako delivered the traditional New Year's greeting on Friday by video message for the first time, after their usual appearance was cancelled to avoid crowds gathering as the country battles a third wave of coronavirus. The incident is not the first time intruders have breached palace security. In May 2020, a Japanese man was arrested after swimming across the Imperial Palace's moat to scale an outer wall and enter off-limits parts of the grounds. And in years past, both Japanese and foreigners have been held after swimming across the moat, including a Brit who did so naked.

Man held after entering Japan emperor's residence: Media

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-departs-thailand-for-japan-bringing-anti-nuclear-message-263984">Pope Francis</a> arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack.

The 82-year-old Argentine is fulfilling a long-cherished ambition to preach in Japan, where years ago he hoped to be a missionary.

He arrived in Tokyo in heavy rain and high winds, the white cape of his papal outfit blowing up around his face as he stepped gingerly down the staircase from the Thai Airways plane that carried him from the first stop of his tour in Thailand.

His four-day trip will begin with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, cities forever associated with the nuclear bombs dropped on them at the end of World War II, killing at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively.

In a video message to the Japanese people before he left the Vatican, Francis railed against the "immoral" use of nuclear weapons.

"Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will never be unleashed again in human history," said the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

Francis <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-respect-for-prostitutes-at-crowded-bangkok-mass-263707">arrives from Thailand</a>, where he preached a message of religious tolerance and peace.

He is expected to do the same in Japan, a country with only approximately 440,000 Catholics out of a population of 126 million.

The majority of Japanese practise a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, two closely intertwined faiths based on the worship of nature and spirits, but many in Japan also observe Christian festivals such as Christmas.

Christians endured centuries of bloody repression in Japan after the religion was introduced to the country by a Spanish Jesuit priest in 1549.

In the 17th century, Japan was closed to the outside world and Christians were persecuted, tortured, crucified and drowned as they were forced to recant their faith.

When Japan reopened to the world in the mid-19th century and the missionaries returned, they were astonished to find an estimated 60,000 who had secretly kept the faith alive and followed a unique version of Catholicism blended with Japanese culture and religious rites.

Francis is expected to pay tribute to these so-called "hidden Christians", or "kakure kirishitan" in Japanese,&nbsp;during his trip on Sunday to Nagasaki, where they were discovered.

Francis will also visit Hiroshima and deliver remarks at the world-famous peace memorial that marks the day on August 6, 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped.

Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech.

"My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old.

"If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb."

In Tokyo on Monday, Francis will met victims of the "triple disaster", the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown in 2011 that devastated large swathes of north-eastern Japan.

His trip will also include meetings with the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/symbolic-night-with-goddess-to-wrap-up-japan-emperors-accession-rites-261259">Emperor Naruhito</a> and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as delivering a mass in a Tokyo baseball stadium.

On the first leg of his latest Asian tour, Francis spent three nights in Buddhist-majority Thailand, another country where just a sliver of the population is Catholic.

Also watch:&nbsp;Pope Francis on Asian tour

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He met with Thai King Vajiralongkorn and also sat down with the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch,&nbsp;the head of Thailand's Buddhists,&nbsp;readily taking off his shoes during the visit to adhere to local customs.

His cousin Sister Ana Rosa, who has worked as a missionary in Thailand since 1966, was a near constant presence by his side during the visit, serving as his interpreter.

In his final public address in Bangkok, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the small Catholic community for the warm welcome he received.&nbsp;

"I am leaving you with a task: do not forget to pray for me!"

Pope Francis arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack.

Pope Francis arrived in Japan on Saturday, where he is expected to deliver a robust anti-nuclear message of peace in the only country to have suffered an atomic bomb attack. The 82-year-old Argentine is fulfilling a long-cherished ambition to preach in Japan, where years ago he hoped to be a missionary. He arrived in Tokyo in heavy rain and high winds, the white cape of his papal outfit blowing up around his face as he stepped gingerly down the staircase from the Thai Airways plane that carried him from the first stop of his tour in Thailand. His four-day trip will begin with visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima, cities forever associated with the nuclear bombs dropped on them at the end of World War II, killing at least 74,000 people and 140,000 people respectively. In a video message to the Japanese people before he left the Vatican, Francis railed against the "immoral" use of nuclear weapons. "Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will never be unleashed again in human history," said the head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. Francis arrives from Thailand, where he preached a message of religious tolerance and peace. He is expected to do the same in Japan, a country with only approximately 440,000 Catholics out of a population of 126 million. The majority of Japanese practise a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, two closely intertwined faiths based on the worship of nature and spirits, but many in Japan also observe Christian festivals such as Christmas. Christians endured centuries of bloody repression in Japan after the religion was introduced to the country by a Spanish Jesuit priest in 1549. In the 17th century, Japan was closed to the outside world and Christians were persecuted, tortured, crucified and drowned as they were forced to recant their faith. When Japan reopened to the world in the mid-19th century and the missionaries returned, they were astonished to find an estimated 60,000 who had secretly kept the faith alive and followed a unique version of Catholicism blended with Japanese culture and religious rites. Francis is expected to pay tribute to these so-called "hidden Christians", or "kakure kirishitan" in Japanese, during his trip on Sunday to Nagasaki, where they were discovered. Francis will also visit Hiroshima and deliver remarks at the world-famous peace memorial that marks the day on August 6, 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped. Father Yoshio Kajiyama, director of the Jesuit social centre in Tokyo, was born in Hiroshima shortly after the war and is eagerly awaiting the pope's anti-nuclear speech. "My grandfather died the day of the bomb in Hiroshima, I never knew him. Four days later my aunt died when she was 15 years old," said the 64-year-old. "If you grow up in Hiroshima, you can't forget the bomb." In Tokyo on Monday, Francis will met victims of the "triple disaster", the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown in 2011 that devastated large swathes of north-eastern Japan. His trip will also include meetings with the new Emperor Naruhito and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as delivering a mass in a Tokyo baseball stadium. On the first leg of his latest Asian tour, Francis spent three nights in Buddhist-majority Thailand, another country where just a sliver of the population is Catholic. Also watch: Pope Francis on Asian tour × He met with Thai King Vajiralongkorn and also sat down with the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch, the head of Thailand's Buddhists, readily taking off his shoes during the visit to adhere to local customs. His cousin Sister Ana Rosa, who has worked as a missionary in Thailand since 1966, was a near constant presence by his side during the visit, serving as his interpreter. In his final public address in Bangkok, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the small Catholic community for the warm welcome he received. "I am leaving you with a task: do not forget to pray for me!"

Pope Francis arrives in Japan to preach anti-nuclear message

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito on Thursday began an elaborate and secretive ritual dating back 1,300 years, giving thanks to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu as part of his enthronement rites.

The Daijosai, considered the most important ritual for Japan's imperial household, came three weeks after Naruhito proclaimed his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne and is performed only once in an emperor's reign.

Television footage showed the emperor in white silk vestments walking slowly through a specially constructed complex of wooden buildings in the imperial palace known as the Daijokyu.

Escorted part of the way by servants, Naruhito entered one of two halls where the main ritual would take place overnight.

The emperor was to offer newly harvested rice to Amaterasu, from whom the Japanese imperial line is considered to have descended, and other deities of heaven and earth.

He was to recite prayers for peace and "share" a feast with the goddess including salmon, abalone, jujube fruit, and millet, washed down with sake.

Empress Masako, wearing a white layered kimono, was to offer her own prayers in separate halls within the Daijokyu.

Other royals and several hundred attendants, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, took part in separate pavilions. No foreigners attend the sacred rite.

The emperor disappeared from sight after he entered the main hall by torchlight. Throughout the rituals that end just before dawn on Friday, he was to be accompanied only by a lady-in-waiting.

'Simple ceremony'

The rite was mentioned in historical documents dating back as far as the seventh century but was discontinued for more than 200 years because of civil war and financial constraints, starting up again in the late 17th century.

The Daijosai, which is carried out whenever a new emperor ascends the throne, is estimated to cost 2.7 billion yen ($25 million), including building and dismantling the Daijokyu and later banquets at the palace.

The Daijokyu complex is built on an area of about 2,700 square metres and consists of around 30 pavilions of different sizes for those performing and observing the rituals.

"It was originally a simple ceremony using natural materials but it is expensive to replicate it in the modern age," said Keiko Hongo, professor at the Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo.

The buildings are of a traditional, simple construction. The floors are laid with straw mats and the pillars made from logs with unstripped bark.

The Daijosai, though not officially a state occasion, has drawn criticism given its highly religious nature and cost.

The rice used in the Daijosai was planted earlier in the year after palace courtiers selected sites using an ancient ritual involving the shells of rare green sea turtles.

Two thin plates made from turtle shells were heated over a flame to produce cracks, which "told" officials to grow the rice in two locations -- the ancient capital of Kyoto and the Tochigi region north of Tokyo.

The harvesting in September was also bound in ritual. The day before, rituals were performed to "purify" everyone involved.

On the day, the emperor's envoys offered prayers and the rice was harvested by farmers in traditional clothes and black hats at the two locations selected.&nbsp;

Only the most carefully selected heads are threshed to make the offerings for the Daijosai.

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito on Thursday began an elaborate and secretive ritual dating back 1,300 years, giving thanks to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu as part of his enthronement rites.

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito on Thursday began an elaborate and secretive ritual dating back 1,300 years, giving thanks to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu as part of his enthronement rites. The Daijosai, considered the most important ritual for Japan's imperial household, came three weeks after Naruhito proclaimed his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne and is performed only once in an emperor's reign. Television footage showed the emperor in white silk vestments walking slowly through a specially constructed complex of wooden buildings in the imperial palace known as the Daijokyu. Escorted part of the way by servants, Naruhito entered one of two halls where the main ritual would take place overnight. The emperor was to offer newly harvested rice to Amaterasu, from whom the Japanese imperial line is considered to have descended, and other deities of heaven and earth. He was to recite prayers for peace and "share" a feast with the goddess including salmon, abalone, jujube fruit, and millet, washed down with sake. Empress Masako, wearing a white layered kimono, was to offer her own prayers in separate halls within the Daijokyu. Other royals and several hundred attendants, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, took part in separate pavilions. No foreigners attend the sacred rite. The emperor disappeared from sight after he entered the main hall by torchlight. Throughout the rituals that end just before dawn on Friday, he was to be accompanied only by a lady-in-waiting. 'Simple ceremony' The rite was mentioned in historical documents dating back as far as the seventh century but was discontinued for more than 200 years because of civil war and financial constraints, starting up again in the late 17th century. The Daijosai, which is carried out whenever a new emperor ascends the throne, is estimated to cost 2.7 billion yen ($25 million), including building and dismantling the Daijokyu and later banquets at the palace. The Daijokyu complex is built on an area of about 2,700 square metres and consists of around 30 pavilions of different sizes for those performing and observing the rituals. "It was originally a simple ceremony using natural materials but it is expensive to replicate it in the modern age," said Keiko Hongo, professor at the Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo. The buildings are of a traditional, simple construction. The floors are laid with straw mats and the pillars made from logs with unstripped bark. The Daijosai, though not officially a state occasion, has drawn criticism given its highly religious nature and cost. The rice used in the Daijosai was planted earlier in the year after palace courtiers selected sites using an ancient ritual involving the shells of rare green sea turtles. Two thin plates made from turtle shells were heated over a flame to produce cracks, which "told" officials to grow the rice in two locations -- the ancient capital of Kyoto and the Tochigi region north of Tokyo. The harvesting in September was also bound in ritual. The day before, rituals were performed to "purify" everyone involved. On the day, the emperor's envoys offered prayers and the rice was harvested by farmers in traditional clothes and black hats at the two locations selected. Only the most carefully selected heads are threshed to make the offerings for the Daijosai.

Japan's emperor performs thanksgiving rite with Sun Goddess

On Thursday evening, Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-new-emperor-naruhito-officially-takes-up-post-214938">Emperor Naruhito</a> will dress in pure white robes and be ushered into a dark wooden hall for his last major enthronement rite: spending the night with a goddess.

Centred on Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess from whom conservatives believe the emperor has descended, the "Daijosai" is the most overtly religious ceremony of the emperor's accession rituals after his father Akihito's abdication.

Scholars and the government say it consists of a feast, rather than, as has been persistently rumoured, conjugal relations with the goddess.

Although Naruhito's grandfather Hirohito, in whose name soldiers fought World War Two, was later stripped of his divinity, the ritual continues.

That has prompted anger - and lawsuits - from critics who say it smacks of the militaristic past and violates the constitutional separation of religion and state, as the government pays the cost of £19.32 million.

&nbsp;

What happens?

At about 7 p.m., Naruhito enters a specially-built shrine compound by firelight, disappearing behind white curtains.

In a dimly-lit room he kneels by piled straw mats draped in white, said to be a resting place for the goddess, as two shrine maidens bring in offerings of food, from rice to abalone, for Naruhito to use in filling 32 plates made from oak leaves.

Then he bows and prays for peace for the Japanese people before eating rice, millet and rice wine "with" the goddess.

The entire ritual is repeated in another room, ending at about 3 a.m.

Long a secret, the ceremony was re-enacted this year by NHK public television, an unprecedented move scholars say may have been a government initiative to dispel rumours.

"There is a bed, there is a coverlet, and the Emperor keeps his distance from it," said John Breen of Kyoto's International Research Centre for Japanese Studies, adding that de-mystifying the ceremony could be a government defence.

"Kingmaking is a sacred business, it's transforming a man or a woman into something other than a man or a woman," he said, pointing to mystical elements in Britain's coronation functions.

"So the Japanese government's denial that there's anything mystical to it is bizarre, but the purpose is pretty clear - it's to fend off accusations there's something unconstitutional going on."

How ancient is the tradition?

Believed to have started in the 700s and observed for about 700 years, the ritual was then interrupted for nearly three centuries, a gap that Breen said led to the loss of much of its original meaning.

Although believed to have initially been one of the less important enthronement rites, the ceremony gained status and its current form from 1868, as Japan began to turn itself into a modern nation-state, unified under the emperor.

What is the funding controversy?

At a news conference, the Emperor's younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino, wondered if it was "appropriate" to use public money, suggesting instead the private funds of the imperial family, which would necessitate a far smaller ceremony.

But Koichi Shin, the head of a group of 300 people suing the government to halt the ritual, and demand damages of 10,000 yen each for "pain and suffering", says that would still not be satisfactory, as the private funds are still tax money.

With part of one lawsuit thrown out by the Supreme Court and another set for hearing after next week's rite, the court battle is mostly symbolic, as concern over nationalism and the emperor fades.

At then emperor Akihito's accession in 1990, protests were louder and bigger, including rocket attacks ahead of some of the rituals, while 1,700 people sued amid harsh media coverage.

"Emperor Hirohito was responsible for the war, but Akihito has done a lot to soften the family's image," said Shin, a 60-year-old office worker.

"But I think showing these ceremonies on television solidifies the idea of the emperor as religion."

On Thursday evening, Japan's Emperor Naruhito will dress in pure white robes and be ushered into a dark wooden hall for his last major enthronement rite: spending the night with a goddess.

On Thursday evening, Japan's Emperor Naruhito will dress in pure white robes and be ushered into a dark wooden hall for his last major enthronement rite: spending the night with a goddess. Centred on Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess from whom conservatives believe the emperor has descended, the "Daijosai" is the most overtly religious ceremony of the emperor's accession rituals after his father Akihito's abdication. Scholars and the government say it consists of a feast, rather than, as has been persistently rumoured, conjugal relations with the goddess. Although Naruhito's grandfather Hirohito, in whose name soldiers fought World War Two, was later stripped of his divinity, the ritual continues. That has prompted anger - and lawsuits - from critics who say it smacks of the militaristic past and violates the constitutional separation of religion and state, as the government pays the cost of £19.32 million. What happens? At about 7 p.m., Naruhito enters a specially-built shrine compound by firelight, disappearing behind white curtains. In a dimly-lit room he kneels by piled straw mats draped in white, said to be a resting place for the goddess, as two shrine maidens bring in offerings of food, from rice to abalone, for Naruhito to use in filling 32 plates made from oak leaves. Then he bows and prays for peace for the Japanese people before eating rice, millet and rice wine "with" the goddess. The entire ritual is repeated in another room, ending at about 3 a.m. Long a secret, the ceremony was re-enacted this year by NHK public television, an unprecedented move scholars say may have been a government initiative to dispel rumours. "There is a bed, there is a coverlet, and the Emperor keeps his distance from it," said John Breen of Kyoto's International Research Centre for Japanese Studies, adding that de-mystifying the ceremony could be a government defence. "Kingmaking is a sacred business, it's transforming a man or a woman into something other than a man or a woman," he said, pointing to mystical elements in Britain's coronation functions. "So the Japanese government's denial that there's anything mystical to it is bizarre, but the purpose is pretty clear - it's to fend off accusations there's something unconstitutional going on." How ancient is the tradition? Believed to have started in the 700s and observed for about 700 years, the ritual was then interrupted for nearly three centuries, a gap that Breen said led to the loss of much of its original meaning. Although believed to have initially been one of the less important enthronement rites, the ceremony gained status and its current form from 1868, as Japan began to turn itself into a modern nation-state, unified under the emperor. What is the funding controversy? At a news conference, the Emperor's younger brother, Crown Prince Akishino, wondered if it was "appropriate" to use public money, suggesting instead the private funds of the imperial family, which would necessitate a far smaller ceremony. But Koichi Shin, the head of a group of 300 people suing the government to halt the ritual, and demand damages of 10,000 yen each for "pain and suffering", says that would still not be satisfactory, as the private funds are still tax money. With part of one lawsuit thrown out by the Supreme Court and another set for hearing after next week's rite, the court battle is mostly symbolic, as concern over nationalism and the emperor fades. At then emperor Akihito's accession in 1990, protests were louder and bigger, including rocket attacks ahead of some of the rituals, while 1,700 people sued amid harsh media coverage. "Emperor Hirohito was responsible for the war, but Akihito has done a lot to soften the family's image," said Shin, a 60-year-old office worker. "But I think showing these ceremonies on television solidifies the idea of the emperor as religion."

Symbolic night with goddess to wrap up Japan emperor Naruhito's accession rites

Thousands of people gathered in Tokyo on Sunday ahead of a rare open-top car parade featuring newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, with heavy security in place for the event.

The motorcade scheduled for later in the afternoon is one of the final public events associated with Naruhito's assumption of the throne following his father Akihito's abdication earlier this year.

The royal couple will be driven around 4.6 kilometres (2.9 miles) through central Tokyo, with tens of thousands expected to line the route.

The couple's first parade since their marriage in 1993 was originally scheduled for October 22 as part of a series of events marking the official proclamation of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement.

But the government rescheduled the parade after nearly 80 people were killed in Typhoon Hagibis, which slammed into Japan in mid-October, causing widespread damage.

Hours before the scheduled 3 pm (0600 GMT) start of the parade, long queues formed at dozens of security checkpoints, with eager spectators waiting to secure seats to watch the motorcade, which will feature some 50 vehicles in total.

"I'm looking forward to see the dress Empress Masako will wear," Hiroko Kikuta, in her 60s, told AFP.&nbsp;

"This will be my last chance to see an imperial parade," added Yukari Oshita, also in her 60s, as she waited near the Imperial Palace.

"The Emperor is a few years younger than me but belongs to the same generation," she said.

"And Empress Masako is someone who can be a role model for modern women with full-time jobs," she said.

Born into a diplomatic family and educated at Harvard, Masako left behind a promising diplomatic career to marry into the royal family.&nbsp;

She has struggled to adjust to cloistered royal life, suffering an adjustment disorder that led to a scaling back of her public appearances.

But she has appeared confident during the events marking Naruhito's enthronement.&nbsp;

She won plaudits for her assured performance when US President Donald Trump became the first foreign leader to meet the new emperor, winning praise in particular for her ability to converse in fluent English.

Naruhito, 59, officially succeeded his father in May, but a series of ceremonies and rites celebrating his enthronement are being held last month, this month and later this year. The official enthronement ceremony was held last month.

The parade comes a day after a national festival to celebrate the enthronement with dancers and pop stars offering performances.

Thousands of people gathered in Tokyo on Sunday ahead of a rare open-top car parade featuring newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, with heavy security in place for the event.

Thousands of people gathered in Tokyo on Sunday ahead of a rare open-top car parade featuring newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, with heavy security in place for the event. The motorcade scheduled for later in the afternoon is one of the final public events associated with Naruhito's assumption of the throne following his father Akihito's abdication earlier this year. The royal couple will be driven around 4.6 kilometres (2.9 miles) through central Tokyo, with tens of thousands expected to line the route. The couple's first parade since their marriage in 1993 was originally scheduled for October 22 as part of a series of events marking the official proclamation of Emperor Naruhito's enthronement. But the government rescheduled the parade after nearly 80 people were killed in Typhoon Hagibis, which slammed into Japan in mid-October, causing widespread damage. Hours before the scheduled 3 pm (0600 GMT) start of the parade, long queues formed at dozens of security checkpoints, with eager spectators waiting to secure seats to watch the motorcade, which will feature some 50 vehicles in total. "I'm looking forward to see the dress Empress Masako will wear," Hiroko Kikuta, in her 60s, told AFP. "This will be my last chance to see an imperial parade," added Yukari Oshita, also in her 60s, as she waited near the Imperial Palace. "The Emperor is a few years younger than me but belongs to the same generation," she said. "And Empress Masako is someone who can be a role model for modern women with full-time jobs," she said. Born into a diplomatic family and educated at Harvard, Masako left behind a promising diplomatic career to marry into the royal family. She has struggled to adjust to cloistered royal life, suffering an adjustment disorder that led to a scaling back of her public appearances. But she has appeared confident during the events marking Naruhito's enthronement. She won plaudits for her assured performance when US President Donald Trump became the first foreign leader to meet the new emperor, winning praise in particular for her ability to converse in fluent English. Naruhito, 59, officially succeeded his father in May, but a series of ceremonies and rites celebrating his enthronement are being held last month, this month and later this year. The official enthronement ceremony was held last month. The parade comes a day after a national festival to celebrate the enthronement with dancers and pop stars offering performances.

Thousands gather ahead of rare Japan imperial parade

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako rode through central Tokyo on Sunday in a motorcade to mark this year's imperial succession as well-wishers waved national flags and held up mobile phones for snapshots of the smiling royal couple.

Emperor Naruhito, 59, acceded to the throne in May after his father, Akihito, became the first monarch to abdicate in two centuries.

The parade was originally due to take place on Oct. 22, when the emperor officially proclaimed his enthronement before dignitaries from about 190 countries, but it was postponed as Japan grappled with the aftermath of a devastating typhoon.

Under a cloudless blue sky, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Harvard-educated former diplomat, waved from an open-top Toyota Century limousine, which cruised through streets lined with jubilant spectators as well as police officers, who were out in force.

The emperor wore a tailcoat while Empress Masako was in a white dress and a tiara, sparkling in the sunshine, a stark contrast from the enthronement ceremony, in which both wore traditional robes.

Tens of thousands of spectators from across the country gathered along the 4.6-km route to watch.

Some began queuing on Saturday to ensure a good vantage point on the route.

"To witness this historical moment with my own eyes and to see the smile of the emperor and empress, I wanted to be in the front," said Hiyori Okazaki, who queued from late on Saturday in front of the Imperial Palace.

"I couldn't wait so came last night."

Toshiko Ito, who visited Tokyo with her husband for the procession, said she was thrilled to see the couple.

"Emotion welled up and I was so happy that I was about to cry," she said.

While bands played celebratory music, the 400-metre long motorcade of 46 vehicles, including cars carrying including Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, moved slowly through the streets.

About 16.1 billion yen ($147 million) has been earmarked for succession-related ceremonies throughout the year, including Sunday's parade, up 30% from Akihito's succession three decades ago.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako rode through central Tokyo on Sunday in a motorcade to mark this year's imperial succession as well-wishers waved national flags and held up mobile phones for snapshots of the smiling royal couple.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako rode through central Tokyo on Sunday in a motorcade to mark this year's imperial succession as well-wishers waved national flags and held up mobile phones for snapshots of the smiling royal couple. Emperor Naruhito, 59, acceded to the throne in May after his father, Akihito, became the first monarch to abdicate in two centuries. The parade was originally due to take place on Oct. 22, when the emperor officially proclaimed his enthronement before dignitaries from about 190 countries, but it was postponed as Japan grappled with the aftermath of a devastating typhoon. Under a cloudless blue sky, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Harvard-educated former diplomat, waved from an open-top Toyota Century limousine, which cruised through streets lined with jubilant spectators as well as police officers, who were out in force. The emperor wore a tailcoat while Empress Masako was in a white dress and a tiara, sparkling in the sunshine, a stark contrast from the enthronement ceremony, in which both wore traditional robes. Tens of thousands of spectators from across the country gathered along the 4.6-km route to watch. Some began queuing on Saturday to ensure a good vantage point on the route. "To witness this historical moment with my own eyes and to see the smile of the emperor and empress, I wanted to be in the front," said Hiyori Okazaki, who queued from late on Saturday in front of the Imperial Palace. "I couldn't wait so came last night." Toshiko Ito, who visited Tokyo with her husband for the procession, said she was thrilled to see the couple. "Emotion welled up and I was so happy that I was about to cry," she said. While bands played celebratory music, the 400-metre long motorcade of 46 vehicles, including cars carrying including Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, moved slowly through the streets. About 16.1 billion yen ($147 million) has been earmarked for succession-related ceremonies throughout the year, including Sunday's parade, up 30% from Akihito's succession three decades ago.

Japan imperial couple rides through Tokyo in grand enthronement parade

Thousands of people gathered in Tokyo on Sunday ahead of a rare open-top car parade featuring newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, with heavy security in place for the event. The motorcade scheduled for later in the afternoon is one of the final public events associated with Naruhito's assumption of the throne following his father Akihito's abdication earlier this year. Watch this video to know more.

Japan hails the new emperor Naruhito

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday met his Nepal counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in Tokyo and discussed several issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.

"President Kovind met the President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari, in Tokyo, Japan," Kovind tweeted.

The two leaders are on a visit to Japan to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.

This is the first presidential visit by an Indian president to Japan after a gap of 19 years.

On Monday, Kovind visited Shinto Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday met his Nepal counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in Tokyo and discussed several issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday met his Nepal counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari in Tokyo and discussed several issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation. "President Kovind met the President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari, in Tokyo, Japan," Kovind tweeted. The two leaders are on a visit to Japan to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito. This is the first presidential visit by an Indian president to Japan after a gap of 19 years. On Monday, Kovind visited Shinto Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.

President Kovind and Nepal counterpart meet in Tokyo, discuss bilateral issues and mutual cooperation

Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally proclaims his enthronement in 'Sokui no Rei'

Fate of Japan's imperial dynasty rests on shoulders of 13-year-old

The Japanese government is considering postponing a celebratory parade after Emperor Naruhito's formal enthronement ceremony next week due to damage from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-typhoon-death-toll-climbs-to-74-rescuers-search-for-missing-people-256181">Typhoon Hagibis</a>, national broadcaster NHK said on Thursday.

Other events connected with the October&nbsp;22 enthronement are still proceeding as planned, it added.

At least 77 have died in the storm, which lashed wide swathes of Japan with heavy rain and high winds last week, setting off landslides and widespread flooding as rivers burst their banks. Ten people are missing and 346 were injured.

The government is considering postponing the parade so it can devote all its attention to coping with the aftermath of the typhoon, which left 1,600 houses partially or totally destroyed across the nation, NHK said.

There has been no formal announcement by the government.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday visited Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures, both of which were hard-hit by a tsunami set off by the March 11, 2011 earthquake.

Fukushima has seen the highest number of casualties from last week's typhoon, with at least 28 dead as of Thursday.

Emperor Naruhito is set to proclaim his enthronement to the world in a centuries-old ceremony attended by some 2,500 people, including heads of state and other dignitaries from nearly 200 countries.

Naruhito, 59, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-new-emperor-naruhito-officially-takes-up-post-214938">acceded to the throne </a>in May after his father, Akihito, became the first monarch to abdicate in two centuries.

The Japanese government is considering postponing a celebratory parade after Emperor Naruhito's formal enthronement ceremony next week due to damage from Typhoon Hagibis, national broadcaster NHK said on Thursday.

The Japanese government is considering postponing a celebratory parade after Emperor Naruhito's formal enthronement ceremony next week due to damage from Typhoon Hagibis, national broadcaster NHK said on Thursday. Other events connected with the October 22 enthronement are still proceeding as planned, it added. At least 77 have died in the storm, which lashed wide swathes of Japan with heavy rain and high winds last week, setting off landslides and widespread flooding as rivers burst their banks. Ten people are missing and 346 were injured. The government is considering postponing the parade so it can devote all its attention to coping with the aftermath of the typhoon, which left 1,600 houses partially or totally destroyed across the nation, NHK said. There has been no formal announcement by the government. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday visited Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures, both of which were hard-hit by a tsunami set off by the March 11, 2011 earthquake. Fukushima has seen the highest number of casualties from last week's typhoon, with at least 28 dead as of Thursday. Emperor Naruhito is set to proclaim his enthronement to the world in a centuries-old ceremony attended by some 2,500 people, including heads of state and other dignitaries from nearly 200 countries. Naruhito, 59, acceded to the throne in May after his father, Akihito, became the first monarch to abdicate in two centuries.

Shinzo Abe visits typhoon-hit areas; Japan may postpone new Emperor's parade

US President Donald Trump met new Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako today in the ceremonial highlight of a state visit overshadowed by trade tensions between the two allies.

Trump meets new Japanese emperor in ceremonial highlight of state visit

New Japanese Emperor Naruhito was to be formally invested on Wednesday after his father,<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-an-era-as-japans-emperor-akihito-abdicates-214724&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjF1IDpq_rhAhX363MBHeXSDVQQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3wVBHiT42CydkSt6wWuDnk"> Akihito,</a> abdicated the day before.

Wednesday is the start of a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/from-heisei-to-reiwa-how-japan-changed-under-emperor-akihito-214477&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKtZSErPrhAhVX63MBHQNkDEIQFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0y_qmnj5pKK89QvwsRprwH">new imperial era</a>, Reiwa, following the end of the three-decade Heisei era under Akihito.

Below are some comments by ordinary Japanese.

- "The Heisei era was an era in which we did not take part in war and I`d like Reiwa to be the same - a world without war," said Kazue Miaji, 67, standing outside a shop in downtown Tokyo. "And I would like the new emperor to take over the same thoughts as the Heisei emperor, to be close to the people."

- "The curtain has gone up on a new era that will be filled with hope," said Hiroshi Takahashi, 78, outside his `wagashi` traditional Japanese sweets shop."It would be good if the world becomes bright, the economy is good and there is a beautiful feeling.&nbsp;

"The new emperor has an admirable personality and I hope he creates a fine royal household that expresses his own personality."

- "I want it to be a world that is peaceful and I`d like the economy to improve," said salaryman Shigeru Yoshizawa, waiting near a subway station in Tokyo. "I`d like the new emperor to be a symbol in the same way (as his father)."

&nbsp;

New Japanese Emperor Naruhito was to be formally invested on Wednesday after his father, Akihito, abdicated the day before. Wednesday is the start of a new imperial era, Reiwa, following the end of the three-decade Heisei era under Akihito.

New Japanese Emperor Naruhito was to be formally invested on Wednesday after his father, Akihito, abdicated the day before. Wednesday is the start of a new imperial era, Reiwa, following the end of the three-decade Heisei era under Akihito. Below are some comments by ordinary Japanese. - "The Heisei era was an era in which we did not take part in war and I`d like Reiwa to be the same - a world without war," said Kazue Miaji, 67, standing outside a shop in downtown Tokyo. "And I would like the new emperor to take over the same thoughts as the Heisei emperor, to be close to the people." - "The curtain has gone up on a new era that will be filled with hope," said Hiroshi Takahashi, 78, outside his `wagashi` traditional Japanese sweets shop."It would be good if the world becomes bright, the economy is good and there is a beautiful feeling. "The new emperor has an admirable personality and I hope he creates a fine royal household that expresses his own personality." - "I want it to be a world that is peaceful and I`d like the economy to improve," said salaryman Shigeru Yoshizawa, waiting near a subway station in Tokyo. "I`d like the new emperor to be a symbol in the same way (as his father)."

Factbox - Japanese hope new Reiwa era brings peace, prosperity

Japan's Emperor Naruhito formally invested on Wednesday (May 1) in a solemn ceremony which took place in the Imperial Palace in the heart of Tokyo after his father stepped down on the day before

Japan welcomes new Emperor and start of "Reiwa" era