Japan emperor's brother proclaimed 1st in line to throne
Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito, better known as Prince Akishino, leaves the Imperial Palace after being formally declared first in line to succeed the Chrysanthemum Throne during a ceremony Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. “I hereby declare in and outside of the country that prince Fumihito is now the crown prince,” said Naruhito, in his reddish brown robe and a headdress. Sunday's proclamation for the crown prince paves the way for the government to start discussing what to do with the dire shortage of heirs. Naruhito's succession left only two younger men in line for the throne — Fumihito and his 14-year-old son, Hisahito. Suga recently said his government will begin studying ways to secure a stable imperial succession after the crown prince's proclamation.
Over 100,000 greet Japan's emperor at enthronement parade
Japanese Emperor Naruhito, left, and Empress Masako, right, wave during the royal motorcade in Tokyo, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)TOKYO – Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako waved and smiled from an open car in a parade Sunday marking Naruhito's enthronement as more than 100,000 delighted well-wishers cheered, waved small flags and took photos from packed sidewalks. Under Japan's postwar constitution, the emperor has no political power and is limited to ceremonial roles. Sunday's parade started from the Imperial Palace, with the Kimigayo national anthem played by a marching band. The parade wraps up Naruhito's official succession events, though he'll perform a highly religious imperial rite later this week.