Party chief and State President Trong, in his congratulatory message, expressed his belief that the Japanese people will gain greater achievements in the “Reiwa” era and that the extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia between Viet Nam and Japan will further advance in an effective and substantial manner.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan also conveyed congratulations respectively to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Speaker of House of Councilors of the Japanese National Diet Chuichi Date and  Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Diet Tadamori Oshima.

On the occasion, Vice State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also sent congratulatory messages to Crown Prince Akishino and Foreign Minister Taro Kono, respectively.

In his first speech since taking the throne, Emperor Naruhito said, "I have hereby succeeded to the Throne pursuant to the Constitution of Japan and the Special Measures Law on the Imperial House Law”, according to NHK.

“In acceding to the Throne, I swear that I will reflect deeply on the course followed by His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus and bear in mind the path trodden by past emperors, and will devote myself to self-improvement. I also swear that I will act according to the Constitution and fulfill my responsibility as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people of Japan, while always turning my thoughts to the people and standing with them. I sincerely pray for the happiness of the people and the further development of the nation as well as the peace of the world."

Emperor Naruhito is 59 years old. He is the first Emperor born after World War Two.

This is the first Imperial succession from a living Emperor in more than 200 years./.