Japan's Emperor Naruhito takes the throne

Japan's new emperor officially ascended the throne in an ancient ritual. Emperor Naruhito donned a copper-colored robe, like that worn by his great-great-grandfather. The monarch took part in a 30-minute ceremony and even stepped up a canopied, 21-foot-high throne to give a speech. He received three "banzai" cheers from the audience, wishing him a long reign. Naruhito's father abdicated the throne in May. He is the 126th emperor in the world's oldest hereditary monarchy.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito takes the throne
Japan's new emperor officially ascended the throne in an ancient ritual. Emperor Naruhito donned a copper-colored robe, like that worn by his great-great-grandfather. The monarch took part in a 30-minute ceremony and even stepped up a canopied, 21-foot-high throne to give a speech. He received three "banzai" cheers from the audience, wishing him a long reign. Naruhito's father abdicated the throne in May. He is the 126th emperor in the world's oldest hereditary monarchy.