FILE - In this June 19, 2012 file photo, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko leave after praying at the altar of the late Prince Tomohito, in Tokyo. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Emperor Akihito plans to abdicate on April 30, 2019, in the first such abdication in about 200 years. Akihito’s elder son Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the throne a day later, on May 1, 2019, beginning a new era. (Itsuo Inouye, File/Associated Press)TOKYO — 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. Suga said the timing was chosen so that Akihito can abdicate after reaching his 30th anniversary on the throne, a milestone.

Source: Washington Post December 01, 2017 03:06 UTC