Akihito, 85, was the first Japanese monarch to take the throne under a post-war constitution that defines the emperor as a symbol of the people without political power. "I hope the next emperor will, like the Heisei emperor, be close to the people in the same way," he said. Abe will announce the abdication and Akihito, wearing Western morning coat, will make his final remarks as emperor. Police have tightened security near the Imperial Palace, a 115-hectare site that is home to the emperor and empress in the heart of Tokyo. Tuesday marks the last day of the Heisei imperial era, which began on Jan. 8, 1989, after Akihito inherited the throne.

Source: bd News24 April 30, 2019 02:03 UTC