1st day of Reiwa era -- scenes in Shiga Prefecture: May 1, 2019

New era of Reiwa started as Prince Naruhito became a new emperor today.

During series of inauguration ceremonies in the first day of Reiwa, he made his first message to Japanese people as an emperor. He stressed that he would do his best as a symbol of the country and of the unity of Japanese people.

He promised to always think of the citizens and to stay with Japanese people.

He also expressed his hope for the happiness of Japanese people, the country’s further development and the peace of the world.

People celebrated the new era throughout the nation.

I was in Shiga Prefecture today.

I visited Hikone Castle in Hikone City. It is one of the five castles which have been registered as national treasuries.

There was a special corner set in the Castle Museum to make signatures to celebrate the new era. I made a signature.

The city’s mascot character “Hikonyan” was making his performances with a board of “Reiwa” in his hands for the visitors. (See also the 2nd photo from the top)

I found many massages of celebration in Hikone, Nagahama and Maibara cities. They were in the flags, boards and in other forms. (See the top photo)