Japan’s emperor Naruhito ascends throne in ritual-bound ceremony

Japan's Emperor Naruhito is set to formally ascend the throne in an elaborate ceremony on Tuesday.

Naruhito, 59, and his wife Empress Masako, 55, took over in May in a brief, tradition-filled ceremony but Tuesday’s “Sokui no Rei” is a more elaborate ritual in which he officially announces his change in status to the world.

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

A celebratory parade has been postponed until Nov. 10 while the government devotes its attention to coping with the aftermath of the typhoon.

More than half a million people convicted of petty crimes will also be pardoned to mark the enthronement.

The Sokui no Rei is set to begin at 13:00 (04:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

Emperor Naruhito will ascend the 6.5m-high Takamikura throne while clad in a yellow-orange tone robe worn only by emperors on special occasions, according to news site Kyodo.

The ceremony will be conducted in the presence of an ancient sword and jewel - sacred treasures that act as a symbol of imperial power.

The 30-minute long ceremony will end with the emperor delivering a speech, followed by a congratulatory address by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Dignitaries from more than 170 countries, including the UK's Prince Charles, will be in attendance.

The emperor will later host a tea party for foreign royalty, while Abe will host a banquet in the evening.