emperor akihito

Japan's Emperor Naruhito leaves following a ceremony to proclaim his enthronement to the world at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, on Tuesday.

World News

In Ancient Ceremony, Japan's Emperor Naruhito Proclaims His Enthronement To The World

11:23am October 22, 2019

by Scott Neuman

The new emperor wore an orange robe in a 30-minute ceremony attended by representatives from some 180 countries. His father, Emperor Akihito, abdicated in April.

Japan's Emperor Akihito, with Empress Michiko, waves to well-wishers in the central Japanese prefecture of Mie on April 18. Emperor Akihito takes part in a series of rituals ahead of his abdication.

World News

Emperor Akihito, Japan's 'Surprising Pacifist,' Steps Down After 30 Years

2:03pm April 30, 2019

by Anthony Kuhn

Japan's defeat in World War II "produced in him strong feelings against war and its chaos," says a childhood friend. Akihito has expressed deep remorse at home and abroad for Japan's wartime actions.

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Japan's Emperor Akihito (right) leaves after a ritual to report his abdication to the throne at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Tuesday.

World News

Japanese Emperor Akihito Abdicates Throne; New Crown Prince To Ascend

9:29am April 30, 2019

by Matthew S. Schwartz

The 85-year-old emperor is the first to retire in more than 200 years. His son, the Crown Prince Naruhito, will become emperor on Wednesday.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga unveils the name of new era "Reiwa" on Monday. The new era starts May 1, when Crown Prince Naruhito takes the throne from his father.

World News

New Era Name 'Reiwa' Defines Japan As Emperor Akihito Prepares To Abdicate

3:36am April 01, 2019

by Francesca Paris

The new era begins on May 1 with the ascension of Crown Prince Naruhito, following the 30-year "Heisei" era of Emperor Akihito.

Japan's Emperor Akihito, left, and Empress Michiko, greet guests during the annual autumn garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperial garden in Tokyo earlier this month.

World News

Japan's Emperor Akihito To Abdicate In April 2019

2:33am December 01, 2017

by Scott Neuman

The 83-year-old emperor hinted last year that he wanted to step down. However, Japanese law had no provision for imperial abdication until a new law was passed by parliament this summer.

Japan's parliament has approved a law permitting Emperor Akihito (left) to abdicate the throne as he requested. Members of the deliberately small royal family, including Empress Michiko (second from left), attend a spring garden party at the Akasaka Palac

World News

Japan's Emperor Will Be Permitted To Abdicate

10:38am June 09, 2017

by Mark Katkov

Japan's parliament has approved a law allowing Emperor Akihito to abdicate. Last year, Akihito — in oblique language — asked permission to do so, citing his advanced age and poor health.

Japan's Cabinet has moved to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate the throne — an event which hasn't happened in 200 years. Akihito (left) and Empress Michiko appeared with members of the royal family at the spring garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperi

Japan's Cabinet Moves To Allow Emperor To Abdicate

2:40pm May 19, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

If the 83-year-old Akihito steps down, he will be the first to abdicate in 200 years. But the provision doesn't solve Japan's royal problem: strict rules of succession and a dearth of eligible males.