Emperor Akihito abdicated and the three-decade-long HEISEI era closed. New Emperor Naruhito who is 59 years old, inherited and took the throne on May 1st. This is the first Imperial succession from a living Emperor in more than 200 years. Empress Masako who worked as a diplomat before marrying wore a long white dress and a teara and stood by her husband, the Emperor. Members of the imperial family stood on both sides. Many peopled gathered in front of the gate of Imperial Palace to catch a glimpse of New Emperor and Empress.