Japan marks 10 year anniversary of the powerful earthquake, deadly tsunami and nuclear meltdown at Fukushima that traumatised the nation and killed nearly 20,000 people.
The scaled-down ceremony for the 54-year-old crown prince, better known as Prince Akishino, concludes a series of imperial succession rituals that began in May last year when Naruhito ascended to the throne.
Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally proclaimed his ascendancy to the throne in a centuries-old ceremony attended by dignitaries from more than 180 countries, pledging to fulfil his duty as a symbol of the state.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and police chief Stephen Lo paid visited a mosque that was struck with blue dye from a water cannon during the latest bout of violent anti-Beijing protests.
As Japan looks to ensure security in the region, it could play a vital role in negotiating between Iran and the US.
US President Donald Trump ended his four-day state visit by spending time with more than 800 uniformed service members in the belly of the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship at the Yokosuka US naval base.
US President Donald Trump met with Japan's Emperor Akihito who took the Chrysanthemum Throne only three weeks ago, after his father stepped down in the first abdication in two centuries.
Trump has the honour of being the first head of state invited to meet Emperor Naruhito since he assumed power May 1 after his father stepped down, the first abdication in about two centuries.
Emperor Naruhito inherited Imperial regalia and seals as proof of his succession and pledged in his first public address to follow his father's example in devoting himself to peace and staying close to the people.
Naruhito, 59, becomes 126th emperor at the stroke of midnight, ushering in "Reiwa" imperial era, following his father Akihito's historic abdication from the Chrysanthemum Throne, the world's oldest monarchy.
Akihito's reign runs through midnight when his son Crown Prince Naruhito becomes the new emperor.
Japan’s Emperor Akihito, 85, stunned the Japanese nation in 2016 when he signalled his desire to take a back seat, citing his age and health problems.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for all latest in-depth, on the ground reporting from around the world.
Copyright © 2023 TRT World.