TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Emperor Akihito has marked his 84th birthday on Saturday with a pledge to fulfill his duties until the day of his abdication in April 2019. Akihito waved to thousands of well-wishers from a balcony of the royal palace. ADVERTISEMENTIn 2016, Akihito expressed his wish to abdicate, citing his age and health as a concern. He ascended the throne in January 1989 after the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito, beginning the Heisei Era. The last emperor to abdicate was Kokaku in 1817.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 23, 2017 03:11 UTC