Crown Prince Next in Line of Succession
Emperor Naruhito proclaimed his younger brother, Crown Prince Fumihito, as the first in line to Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne on November 8.
By NIPPON TV NEWS 24 JAPANhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_XJ0xctYxw
The ceremony took place at the Imperial Palace. Empress Masako and Crown Princess Kiko also attended the event. Later in the day, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko thanked the emperor and empress for the proclamation.
Crown Prince Fumihito told the crowd: "I am filled with the deepest awe and gratitude at having been proclaimed the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince, today at the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince. I will continue to discharge my duties to the best of my ability now that I have been proclaimed the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince. I wish here to express most respectfully my humblest gratitude.
In between these two events, the crown prince and princess visited the palace sanctuary. Crown Prince Fumihito brought a defensive sword presented to him by the emperor. The day’s ceremonies complete the rituals involving Emperor Naruhito taking over from his father on May 1, 2019. Emperor Emeritus Akihito abdicated at the end of April last year.
