President Artmen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nuneh Sarkissin were present today at the enthronement of Japan’s new Emperor Naruhito.
Delegates from 183 countries, including representatives of royal families, heads of state and government, other high-ranking officials, chiefs of international organizations were present at the ceremony.
The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito.
But, after a series of traditional rituals inside the imperial palace in Tokyo, his ascension has now been formalized.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a congratulatory address, followed by shouts of “Banzai!” – translated as “long live the emperor”.The ceremony, conducted largely in silence, was held in the presence of an ancient sword and jewel – sacred treasures that act as symbols of imperial power.
