19/03/2026
Coronation Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. On May 1, 2019, Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne, the 126th Emperor of Japan. According to the ancient tradition of Sokui no Rei, the new sovereign, after unveiling himself, proclaimed his enthronement from the Takamikura, the elaborate wooden and gilded structure that represents the supreme imperial seat, wearing the Kanmuri on his head. The coronation took place before dignitaries at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The prime minister, in his congratulations, uttered the most famous exclamation in the Japanese language: Banzai! Which means "Long live the emperor."