People watch a screen in Suginami City on Monday morning (October 22) showing the live broadcast of Japan's new Emperor Naruhito in the ritual-bound ceremony to formally ascend the throne.

The emperor officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito. Now after a series of rituals inside the imperial palace Tokyo, his ascension is formalised.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, other royals and head of state from more than 180 countries.

Naruhito is the first Japanese emperor born after World War II.