Japanese man crashes into boat after jumping off bridge in celebration He decides to take the plunge as the Heisei era ends with abdication But instead of making a splash he crash lands into a passing boat Japan's Emperor Naruhito took over the throne on Wednesday The new Emperor has pledged to be a 'symbol of the state and unity'By Liz Perkins For Mailonline Published: 23:10 BST, 1 May 2019 | Updated: 23:10 BST, 1 May 2019 Viewcomments A Japanese man was in for a right royal surprise as he jumped off a bridge in celebration to mark the end of the Heisei era. The man, who was dressed in a yellow T-shirt, appeared to be full of joy but as he plunged off the bridge he crash-landed into a boat travelling below. Emperor Akihito's decision to abdicate at the age of 85 following a 30-year reign led to the end of the Heisei era, paving the way for his son Crown Prince Naruhito's accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne. It is the first abdication since 1817, with the step being taken on age and failing health grounds. On his final day in the role, the Emperor said: 'Since ascending the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so. 'I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the state. 'I pray, with all my heart, for peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world.' Celebratory mood: A Japanese man looks ready to celebrate following the abdication of Emperor Akihito End of an era: The happy looking man looks ready to make a leap off the bridge to mark the occasion Ready to jump: The man throws his arms into the air as he readies himself for the big leap In for a surprise: He hurls himself off the bridge but has no idea what he will meet below Making a splash: He misses the water as a boat suddenly appears underneath the bridge Crash-landed: He hits a boat travelling below him instead as his celebrations turn sour His son, now known as Japan's Emperor Naruhito has pledged to fulfil his role as a 'symbol of the state and unity', in his first public address since taking the throne. The 59-year-old was speaking as he officially started his reign on Wednesday in a short but symbolic ceremony at the Imperial Palace. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility