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Japan's Emperor Naruhito Formally Declares His Ascension to Throne

VOANews

   Japan's new Emperor Naruhito formally ascended to the throne Tuesday in
   an elaborate ceremony in Tokyo.

   Naruhito read out a proclamation at the Imperial Palace, promising to
   fulfill his responsibility as the symbol of the state and of the unity
   of the people. The brief event ended with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
   congratulating the new emperor and leading the crowd with three shouts
   of "Banzai!," which means 10,000 years of long life.

   More than one hundred foreign dignitaries were in attendance, including
   Britain's Prince Charles.

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