TOKYO - Emperor Naruhito expressed his hope for a bright future for children in his poem recited Thursday at the first annual New Year Poetry Reading Ceremony held after he ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne last year.The 59-year-old became emperor after his father, former Emperor Akihito, on April 30, 2019 became the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in about 200 years. He took part in a slew of ceremonies marking his enthronement until December.The theme of this year's "waka" poems at the reading held at the Imperial Palace was "nozomi," meaning "hope."Empress Masako, who has been suf…READ FULL ARTICLE
