Emperor Naruhito opens Diet Session

Emperor Naruhito has opened the 222nd Diet Session in Tokyo. 

Emperor Naruhito of Japan presided over an extraordinary session of the Diet on Monday, urging lawmakers to “fulfil its mission in dealing with the various domestic and international issues facing us, and live up to the trust of the people.”

Photo: Imperial Household Agency

The Japanese parliament convened for the 222nd Diet session, which is scheduled to run for 69 days until 12 December this year.

Nippon reports that key agenda items will include “legislation to cut the consumption tax on food and the ruling parties’ plans to reduce the number of seats in the House of Representatives, the lower Diet chamber.”

“It is a great pleasure for me to be gathered here with all of you, who represent the entire nation. I sincerely hope that the Diet, as the highest organ of state power, will fully fulfill its mission in dealing with the various domestic and international issues facing us, and live up to the trust of the people.” — Emperor Naruhito (translated text)