Emperor Naruhito of Japan delivers his first speech after his enthronement. Photo: New York Times.

The era of "harmony"

Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, inherited the Chrysanthemum Throne and became the new Emperor of Japan in a coronation ceremony held at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on the morning of May 1st. He is the 126th emperor of what is considered the world's oldest surviving dynasty. The most important and symbolic part of the coronation ceremony was the transmission of the Imperial regalia, including the acceptance of the Imperial Sword, Jewel, Imperial Seal, and Imperial Seal. This transmission ceremony holds special significance and is attended by only 26 people, including high-ranking officials and representatives of the Japanese Cabinet.

In his inaugural address to the nation, Emperor Naruhito pledged to act in accordance with the Constitution and to think of and serve the interests of the people. He also committed to following in the footsteps of his father, Emperor Akihito, who brought the Japanese monarchy closer to the people, especially in the face of natural disasters such as the 1995 Kobe earthquake that killed nearly 6,500 people and the 2011 double disaster of earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 16,000 people. The greatest value of the Heisei era that the new Emperor will have to preserve and promote is helping the Japanese people live in peace, as has been the case since 1989 – the first time in modern history that Japan has not been involved in any war.

The abdication of former Emperor Akihito, who ceded the throne to the new Emperor Naruhito, marks the first time in over 200 years that a Japanese emperor has abdicated. This event officially concludes the Heisei era, which began in 1989, and ushers in the Reiwa era.

Former Emperor Akihito abdicated, ceding the throne to the new Emperor Naruhito. Photo: AP

The adoption of the new era name, Reiwa, also marks the first time a Japanese era name has been taken from classical Japanese literature, rather than from Chinese literature as in previous years. At the ceremony announcing the new era name, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe explained that "Reiwa" originates from Japan's oldest anthology of poetry, the Manyoshu. In the Manyoshu, Reiwa signifies a new spring, spreading peace. Therefore, choosing the Reiwa era name not only affirms Japan's long-standing cultural values ​​but also conveys the nation's hope for a new era of brilliant development based on national harmony.

As one of the oldest monarchies in the world, spanning over two millennia, Japan still maintains the tradition of its emperors choosing a reign name to reflect their will and goals. Each emperor's reign name aims to set the direction for the coming decades and continues to play a significant role in the daily lives of the Japanese people.

Therefore, many Japanese people also expressed hope that the new Emperor Naruhito, with his youthful energy, would bring new vitality to the Land of the Rising Sun. At yesterday morning's cabinet meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe congratulated the new Emperor Naruhito and expressed his determination to strive for a glorious Reiwa era, "creating a bright future for a proud, hopeful, and peaceful Japan amidst a rapidly changing world."

Expectations for an economic boost.

In Japan, politics and the imperial family are clearly separated. Therefore, the coronation of the new emperor will theoretically not create any significant political changes. However, this event is highly symbolic and has the potential to generate new impetus for economic development.

In fact, many Japanese businesses have quickly seized the transition period between the old and new imperial eras as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to boost their business activities, such as producing commemorative coins and launching new tourism products and services inspired by the Reiwa era. Economic experts believe that Japan could witness a breakthrough in consumption and investment around the enthronement of the new Emperor Naruhito, similar to what happened after the enthronement of the former Emperor Akihito in 1989.

The people of Japan joyfully welcome the new Reiwa era. Photo: Japan Today

Nevertheless, the Japanese people expect that the change in the imperial era name can boost long-term economic growth, stemming from the policy direction and the mindset of the government, businesses, and citizens as they enter a new era. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne amidst numerous challenges facing Japan, such as an aging population, low birth rates, high public debt, and a slowdown in economic growth after peaking in the third quarter of last year.

In its economic report released last April, the Japanese government lowered its economic growth forecast for the first time in three years. Analysts suggest that, although lacking the power to directly address the country's socio-economic issues, the Emperor is a figure who can inspire the image of the nation he envisions. He can also participate in many symbolic activities that demonstrate the harmony of the Japanese people, such as attending cultural events, welcoming foreign guests, and visiting areas affected by natural disasters.

Following the enthronement of the new Emperor Naruhito, the Cabinet Office also affirmed the message that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration would prioritize stabilizing economic growth, improving the working environment, and listening to the people's concerns for a better society. In recent years, the Japanese government has implemented many new policies aimed at balancing the financial market, reducing inflation, promoting economic growth, and expanding cultural diplomacy to gradually improve the living environment for the people, especially the elderly, and to provide education for children. However, due to increasing demands and the economy not achieving the desired growth rate, the Japanese public is hoping for a real breakthrough under the new administration.

The Japanese government may implement policies to promote investment in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and India, increase exports of high-quality automobiles and agricultural products to North America, and solidify its position as a leading automobile manufacturer in the European market. It can be said that, with the beginning of the Reiwa era, the Japanese people are placing many hopes in a new era of peace and prosperity, starting with a breakthrough in the economy.