Japan’s Emperor Akihito abdicates throne as era ends and a nation pays tribute
- Akihito’s reign runs until midnight when his son Crown Prince Naruhito becomes emperor and his era begins
- Naruhito will assume the title of ‘tenno’ or ‘heavenly sovereign’ as the Heisei Era gives way to the Reiwa Era
Japan’s Emperor Akihito formally stepped down on Tuesday, marking the first abdication in the world’s oldest monarchy for more than two centuries. In the “Room of Pine” in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the popular 85-year-old performed the abdication ritual in the presence of the imperial regalia – an ancient sword and sacred jewel that are considered to legitimise an emperor.
Dressed in a Western-style morning coat, he stood on a small stage before an invited audience and members of the royal family and offered his “deepest heartfelt gratitude to the people of Japan.” He said he would “pray for the peace and happiness of all the people in Japan and around the world.”
After more than 30 years on the throne, Akihito’s reign will formally end at midnight local time, paving the way for his son, Crown Prince Naruhito to assume the title of tenno or “heavenly sovereign” as the Heisei Era gives way to the Reiwa Era.
The last abdication of a Japanese emperor took place 202 years ago and the Imperial Household Agency has been poring over the documents that spell out the rites and rituals that need to be completed since the emperor first announced he would be stepping down in favour of his son in December 2017.
Earlier in the day, Akihito entered the imperial family’s Shinto shrine within the ground of the palace to announce his retirement to the gods. He wore a russet-coloured ceremonial court gown, identical to that worn by the imperial family for formal occasions between the eighth and 12th centuries.
Soon after 11am, he met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and representatives of the public.