Emperor Naruhito ascends throne in Japan with 'sense of solemnity'

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, flanked by Empress Masako, delivers a speech during a ceremony called Sokui-go-Choken-no-gi, his first audience after the accession to the throne , at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, May 1, 2019. Japan Pool/Pool via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Emperor Naruhito formally took up his post on Wednesday a day after the abdication of his father, saying he felt a "sense of solemnity" but pledging to work as a symbol of the nation and the unity of its people.

Former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko stepped down after three decades in their roles on Tuesday in a brief and simple ceremony, with Akihito thanking the people of Japan and saying he prayed for peace.