TOKYO — Japan’s 85-year-old Emperor Akihito ends his three-decade reign on Tuesday when he abdicates to his son Crown Prince Naruhito. Some key questions and answers about the abdication and ascension and other examples abroad:——Q. Aiko, 17, is barred from inheriting under Japan’s male-only succession law, and the line goes to Naruhito’s brother, Fumihito, better known by his childhood title, Akishino. After abdication, Akihito and Michiko will move to a temporary royal residence before eventually switching places with Naruhito after refurbishments at each place. This year, Malaysia’s King Sultan Muhammad V abruptly stepped down after just two years on the throne, the first abdication in the country’s history.

Source: National Post April 29, 2019 01:07 UTC