Japanese Emperor Akihito commented on national television in 2016 about his ability to carry out his duties fully as he ages. Photo: Associated PressTOKYO—Japanese Emperor Akihito will abdicate on April 30, 2019, ending his three-decade reign and passing the throne to his son, a government council on imperial-family matters decided Friday. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the head of the council, relayed the decision in a statement to reporters and said the government would soon issue a formal order setting that date.

Source: Wall Street Journal December 01, 2017 03:19 UTC