Japan emperor to abdicate at 85

THE emperor of Japan will abdicate in 16 months’ time to be replaced by his eldest son, it has been confirmed.

Emperor Akihito, pictured, will step down on April 30, 2019, when he will be 85. It will be the first such departure from the Chrysanthemum Throne in 200 years.

Crown prince Naruhito will be 59 when he ascends the throne.

The decision was made yesterday at a meeting of the Imperial House Council. Akihito, who succeeded to the throne in 1989, cited his age and health when he expressed a wish to abdicate last August.