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, 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, June 13: Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito said on Tuesday he will devote himself "body and soul" to his job as emperor, just days after a law was enacted allowing his father to abdicate, which would be the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in two centuries.

Japanese Emperor abdication bill approved

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.