After hearing the news that the old Emperor would be abdicating and the new Emperor would be succeeding him in May, I went half way across the globe to see the preparations for the great ceremony.

I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t keen on the last Emperor, what with the double life, the destroying of the Jedi Order and being an all-round menace.

As I booked my ticket I was told that instead of Naboo the ceremony would take place in Japan. How strange.

I arrived on a beautiful Spring day but to my surprise no one else had bothered to wear black cloaks or bring their lightsabers.

Although it took me the best part of a week, as a professional journalist I uncovered that the new Emperor is Crown Prince Naruhito and he’s not from the dark side. Apparently Emperor Palpatine is a fictional character from the mind of George Lucas.

Not only that, but the actual enthronement ceremony isn’t until October! Now I have to justify my expenses (over £1000 on ramen noodles and cuddle cafes).

May the new Era be with you.