KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has congratulated Naruhito on being the new emperor of Japan. Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum throne  as the new emperor amid ceremony after his father Akihito, 85, abdicated due to his age and failing health on Tuesday.

In his first act as emperor, he inherited Japan’s Imperial Treasures in a deeply symbolic ceremony. The role of emperor in Japan is fully ceremonial and serves as a national symbol.

President Bhandari in her message wished him happiness, well-being and success as well as the peace, progress and prosperity of the Japanese people during  the new imperial era “Reiwa.

The  “Reiwa” era which signifies order and harmony, began at midnight local time, and will last as long as Naruhito’s reign.

(Agencies)