Naruhito becomes emperor of Japan, new 'Reiwa' era begins

Naruhito became Japan's new emperor at the stroke of midnight Wednesday, taking over the head of the world's oldest monarchy after his father Akihito's historic abdication.

Japan also kicks off the new imperial era of "Reiwa", meaning "beautiful harmony", that will endure as long as the 59-year-old Naruhito sits on the Chrysanthemum Throne.