Emperor Naruhito on Friday marked one year since he ascended to the chrysanthemum throne, with him and Empress Masako searching for their role in modern times while continuing his parents' efforts to heal the wounds of war and disasters.
The past year has been full of celebrations and ceremonies associated with his enthronement, which marked the start of the new Reiwa imperial era, although in recent months the imperial couple have been forced to stay out of the public eye due to the new coronavirus epidemic.
After former Emperor Akihito, 86, abdicated on April 30 last year, the first Japanese monarch to step down in about 200 years, Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne the next day, inheriting the imperial regalia of mirror, sword and jewel as well as seals.