Japanese Monarch Naruhito Ascends to Throne in Centuries-Old Ceremony

Japan's monarch Naruhito leaves a ceremony to proclaim his enthronement to the world, called Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi, at the royal palace in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 22, 2019. Cabinet Office of Japan/Handout via Reuters

TOKYO—Japanese monarch Naruhito formally proclaimed his ascendancy to the throne on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in a centuries-old ceremony attended by dignitaries from more than 180 countries, pledging to fulfill his duty as a symbol of the state.

Naruhito became the head of state on May 1 in a brief ceremony, but Tuesday’s “Sokui no Rei” was a more elaborate ritual at the royal palace in which he officially announced his change in status to the world.