Japan's Emperor Naruhito takes the throne Japan's new emperor officially ascended the throne in an ancient ritual. Emperor Naruhito donned a copper-colored robe, like that worn by his great-great-grandfather. The monarch took part in a 30-minute ceremony and even stepped up a canopied, 21-foot-high throne to give a speech. He received three "banzai" cheers from the audience, wishing him a long reign. Naruhito's father abdicated the throne in May. He is the 126th emperor in the world's oldest hereditary monarchy.