Japan’s Emperor Akihito becomes the first emperor to abdicate in 200 years, passing the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son Crown Prince Naruhito. The 83-year-old emperor has been on the throne since the death of his father, Hirohito, in 1989.

TOKYO, April 30: Emperor Akihito began his abdication rituals at a Shinto shrine Tuesday morning as Japan embraces the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era.

When Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne, he will be taking on a role that has changed almost beyond recognition from its mythological origins.

TOKYO, April 1: The era of Japan’s next emperor, Naruhito, will use the name “Reiwa” to connote pursuing harmony, the government said Monday, selecting the culturally significant phrase from ancient Japanese poetry as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushes to promote national pride.

TOKYO, Dec 1: Japan’s much-admired Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate on April 30, 2019, at age 85 in the first such departure from the Chrysanthemum Throne in about 200 years, the government said Friday.

TOKYO, July 13: Japan's Emperor Akihito has expressed his intention to retire and relinquish his title in the next few years, the country's public television said Wednesday.