Japan celebrates as new emperor Naruhito set to formally assume throne

Former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko stepped down on Tuesday after three decades as the nation's top royals in a brief, simple ceremony, with Akihito thanking the people of Japan and saying he prayed for peace.Naruhito, 59, technically succeeded his father just as Tuesday became Wednesday but his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne will be formalized in a mid-morning ceremony, the first part of which his wife and other female royals will not be able to attend.Naruhito, the first emperor