The 83-year-old will officially retire on 30 April 2019 in the first abdication by a Japanese emperor for 200 years. His eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will become the 126th occupant of the chrysanthemum throne the following day. Profile Crown Prince Naruhito Show Hide Crown Prince Naruhito Naruhito will become the 126th occupant of Japan's chrysanthemum throne in April 2019, the day after his father, Akihito, retires. “I feel deeply moved that the council came to its decision smoothly, marking a major step towards an imperial succession,” Abe said. While the postwar constitution prohibits Japanese emperors from wielding political influence, Akihito has used his role to promote reconciliation with former victims of Japanese wartime aggression.

Source: The Guardian December 01, 2017 07:46 UTC