'Middle-class monarchy'Emperor Kokaku, who gave up the throne in 1817, was the last Japanese emperor to abdicate, NHK said. Under the U.S.-drafted, postwar constitution, Japan's emperor is "the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People," with no political power. Born in 1933, Akihito was heir to Emperor Hirohito, in whose name Japan fought World War Two. Japanese Emperor Akihito, who has spent much of his time on the throne trying to heal the wounds of World War Two, intends to abdicate in a few years, public broadcaster NHK said on Wednesday, a step that would be unprecedented in modern Japan. Akihito has been cutting back on his official duties, handing over some of the burden to his heir, Crown Prince Naruhito, 56.

Source: CBC News July 13, 2016 10:48 UTC