A celebration was held in Nara on Friday to mark the 1,300th anniversary of its establishment as the ancient capital of Japan. The city was known as Heijokyo from 710 until the capital moved to Kyoto in 794.
The Emperor and Empress attended a ceremony to mark the occasion. About 1,700 people, including foreign ambassadors, were invited.
The ceremony began with a welcome dance performed by 200 people wearing costumes from the Nara period. Kyogen master and human national treasure Nomura Manzo read out a decree issued in 708 by Emperor Genmei to move the capital to Nara. Nomura took the role of a court official, Fujiwarano Fuhito, who helped to arrange the transfer of the capital.
In a congratulatory message, Emperor Akihito said the Nara period saw Japan make significant leaps in various fields.
He said that even before the Nara period, people came to Japan from Kudara, or Baekje in Korean, and many other countries, and made great contributions to the development of Japanese culture and skills.
The Emperor said he feels very close to the ancient capital where his ancestors lived. He said that while congratulating the city on its 1,300th anniversary, he also prays for the happiness of the people of Nara, who have nurtured and preserved its traditional culture from the old days.
Children sang songs and ancient Japanese court music was also played at the ceremony.
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