Throne for next emperor being readied a year ahead in Tokyo

Elaborate structure: The Takamikura throne (left) and Michodai, a curtained platform, at the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, western Japan. — AP

TOKYO: The monumental imperial throne for the coronation of Japan’s new emperor has arrived in Tokyo from an ancient imperial palace in Kyoto more than a year ahead of time, officials said.

Crown Prince Naruhito will become Japan’s next emperor on May 1 next year, the day after his 84-year-old father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates.