Japan grants half a million pardons to mark enthronement of emperor Naruhito

Petty crimes forgiven ahead of ceremony that completes ascension after father's abdication in May

Naruhito has proclaimed himself Japan's new emperor and vowed to "stand with the people" after performing a series of ancient rituals that culminated in his appearance on the imperial throne alongside his wife, Empress Masako.

Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum throne in May, following the abdication of his father, Akihito, marked his official enthronement on Tuesday in front of around 2,000 guests, including heads of state and other royals from more than 180 countries.