TOKYO >> The special imperial throne to be used for the coronation of Japan’s new emperor has arrived in Tokyo from an ancient imperial palace in Kyoto more than a year ahead of time.

Crown Prince Naruhito will become Japan’s next emperor on May 1 of next year, the day after his 84-year-old father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates.

The Takamikura throne will be used at a ceremony in October 2019, when Naruhito formally announces his succession.

The 6.5-meter-high (21-foot-high) canopied and decorated structure was last used by Akihito in 1990 and has since been stashed away at the Kyoto palace. The huge structure was taken apart for shipment to Tokyo, where it will be repaired, fine-tuned and reassembled.

The 58-year-old Naruhito will be the 126th emperor of one of the world’s oldest monarchies.