Reiwa period starts in Japan: President Armen Sarkissian was present at the festivities dedicated to Emperor Naruhito’s accession to the throne

President Armen Sarkissian and his spouse Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian at the invitation of the Japanese government were present in Tokyo at the festive events dedicated to the accession to the throne of Emperor Naruhito.

At the ceremony, which took place at the imperial palace of Japan, present were guests from 183 countries, including royal families, leaders of states and governments, dignitaries, heads of international organizations. Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe made a congratulatory address on the occasion of Emperor’s enthronement. In the traditional Japan the Emperor is endowed mainly with ceremonial authorities.

According to the Constitution, the Emperor of Japan is the symbol of the country’s and people’s unity and performs ceremonial duties.

The former Emperor of Japan, the 85-year-old Akihito abdicated last April and handed the throne over to his son. The accession of the new emperor put an end to the Japanese national Heisei – “Achieving peace” era, and ushered in Reiwa era which is translated as “Order and Harmony.” The imperial family of Japan is thousands years old. Naruhito descends from the family which has been in existence for over 2600 years and is the 126th emperor of the dynasty.