Japanese emperor abdicates

Japanese emperor Akihito has begun the countdown to relinquishing the Chrysanthemum Throne. He is the first emperor to abdicate alive in the last two centuries.

The last time a Japanese emperor abdicated was in 1817.

Akihito succeeded his father, wartime emperor Hirohito, in 1989. He will abdicate on April 30, with his eldest son ascending to the throne.

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