Japan’s emperor marks 30th year of reign

Royal salute: Abe raising his hands as he shouts ‘banzai’ – or long live – to Akihito and Michiko during the ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Akihito’s enthronement at the National Theatre in Tokyo. — Reuters

TOKYO: Japan’s Emperor Akihito attended a ceremony to mark the 30th year of his reign while calling for the country to embrace openness in a more globalised world.

The government-sponsored ceremony at the National Theatre in Tokyo yesterday was attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Empress Michiko.