TOKYO - Japan's Emperor Naruhito vowed to work with the public to overcome a range of challenges from climate change, child abuse, poverty and the better integration of minority groups as he turned 60 on Sunday (Feb 23).

This would have been a landmark celebration for the Emperor, his first birthday since taking over the Chrysanthemum Throne from his 86-year-old father Akihito, who is now Emperor Emeritus, in May last year to herald the dawn of the Reiwa (beautiful harmony) era.

Further, the age 60 is a landmark year in the Japanese zodiac calendar, which is represented by five natural elements - metal, fire, earth, water and wood - and 12 animals like in the lunar calendar. So a person who turns 60 has undergone all possible combinations and returned to that of his year of birth.