First abdication by a Japanese emperor in over 200 years paves way for son to ascend the throne

When Japan’s 85-year-old Emperor Akihito retires on April 30, 2019, he becomes the first emperor in over two centuries to abdicate in the world’s oldest monarchy.

His son Naruhito will take over as Japan’s next emperor, setting off a chain of events including a new name on traditional calendars for the era of his reign.

Current Imperial Household Law, which dates back to 1947, dictates that the emperor is a “symbol of the state” with no political power, and limits succession to males in the family.