TOKYO: Japan’s Emperor Naruhito has formally ascended the throne amid an elaborate ceremony on Tuesday.

The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito.

But his ascension is only now being formalized in a series of traditional rituals.

The Sokui no Rei – or the Ceremony of Accession – saw Emperor Naruhito inside the 6.5m-high Takamikura throne.

He read out a formal proclamation, dressed in a yellow-orange tone robe worn only by emperors on special occasions.

“I swear that I will act according to the constitution and fulfil my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people,” said the emperor, according to a Reuters translation.

His ascension comes as Japan reels from the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, which left almost 80 people dead.

(Agencies)