Japan has officially chosen the next leader as Prince Fumihito, the brother of Emperor Naruhito, has been officially declared heir to the throne during a ceremony in Tokyo.

Fumihito is six years younger than his brother Naruhito. Emperor Naruhito has no sons and his daughter his barred from inheriting the throne.

Fumihito’s brother Naruhito became monarch last year after his father abdicated.

According to the international news agency,the “Rikkoshi no rei” ceremony had been delayed by seven months because of the coronavirus pandemic. The imperial family and 46 guests attended the ceremony. Most of them wore masks and maintained a distance. 

 During the ceremony, Naruhito declared Fumihito crown prince to the people of Japan and abroad. He also got a sword passed down by crown princes. 

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said: “The people have revered the crown prince and the crown princess after seeing how they have shown kindness in their interactions with people, so it is a pleasure to see the Rikkoshi no rei being held.”