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Japan emperor to greet public in parade marking enthronement

Posted at 7:50 AM, Nov 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-10 07:50:02-05

TOKYO (AP) — Well-wishers are gathering along a central Tokyo street hours before Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are expected to greet them from a royal motorcade under tight security.

Police have set up 40 security checkpoints. Selfie sticks, bottles and banners — and even shouting — are not allowed inside the restricted zone.

Naruhito succeeded his father Akihito on May 1 following his abdication, and formally ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in a palace ceremony last month.

Naruhito and Masako will greet the people Sunday afternoon from a Toyota convertible during their half-hour motorcade on the 4.6-kilometer (3-mile) route from the palace to the Akasaka imperial residence.

The parade was postponed from the original October date due to the recent typhoon that left more than 90 dead.