Japan’s beloved emperor abdicates, becoming the first to give up the throne in more than 200 years
By Simon Denyer Simon Denyer Tokyo bureau chief covering Japan, North Korea and South Korea. Email Bio Follow April 30 at 4:56 AM TOKYO — Japan’s Emperor Akihito formally abdicated on Tuesday in a short ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Tuesday, giving way to his son after the weight of official duties became too much for the 85-year-old.
Akihito is the first Japanese emperor to abdicate since the Emperor Koukaku gave way, also to his son, in 1817. His 30-year reign as ceremonial head of state comes to an end at midnight, concluding what is known as the Heisei era. The abdication was marked by a series of private events culminating in a short and simple televised ceremony in the Imperial Palace in front of the imperial family and 300 dignitaries.
Enclosed in cases, the treasures, also known as the Imperial Regalia, are only ever seen by the emperor and senior priests in private ceremonies, with no known photographs or drawings in existence. Akihito has put those principles into practice enthusiastically. Throughout his reign he and his wife, Michiko, have visited elementary schools, as well as homes for the elderly and the disabled.
“People felt moved that the emperor worries about us to this degree, and I think that had a strong calming effect on the mind of the people,” Hara said.
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