Naruhito ascends to throne formally

TOKYO, Oct 22 (Agencies): Japan's Emperor Naruhito has formally proclaimed his ascension to the throne in an elaborate ceremony.

The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito.

His ascension has now been formalised after a series of rituals.

The ceremony comes as Japan reels from the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, which left almost 80 people dead.

A celebration parade was postponed out of respect for the victims and their families.

The Sokui no Rei - or the Ceremony of Accession - saw Emperor Naruhito inside the 6.5m-high Takamikura throne.

He read out a formal proclamation, dressed in a yellow-orange robe worn only by emperors on special occasions.

Naruhito became emperor and his wife Masako became empress 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.

"I swear that I will act according to the constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people," the 59-year-old emperor declared, his voice slightly hoarse, in front of about 2,000 guests including Britain's Prince Charles.