Aiko

Major non-food chains warn they do not rule out "staging protests and various forms of civil disobedience" if they are not allowed to open - without an "artificial distinction based on stores' overall shopping area."

Naruhito became the new emperor of Japan at midnight on Wednesday, taking on the world's oldest monarchy after the historic abdication of his father, Akihito.

Japan also begins the new imperial era of Reeva or "beautiful harmony" that will last, while Naruhito, 59, today, remains on the throne.