Japanese emperor steps down in historic abdication as son rises
● Akihito sat on throne for 30 years ● Japan celebrates with festive mood
emperor Akihito has announced his abdication at a palace ceremony in his final address, as the nation embraced the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era.
“Today, I am concluding my duties as the emperor,” Akihito, 85, said as he stood in front of the throne, as other members of the royal family and top government officials watched.
“Since ascending the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so.
“I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the state.”
As he walked out of the room following his speech and officials were taking away the imperial regalia in a box, Akihito turned around, paused and bowed to the audience.
His reign finished at midnight when his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, who observed Akihito’s abdication ceremony, became the new emperor. Naruhito will formally ascend the “Chrysanthemum Throne” today, beginning his era of Reiwa, or “beautiful harmony”.
In a separate ceremony, he will receive the imperial regalia of sword and jewel as well as the imperial seals as proof of his succession as the nation’s 126th emperor.
Naruhito’s wife Masako and daughter Aiko are barred from attending the ceremony because they are female members of the royal family – a palace tradition the government upheld despite criticism that it is out of step with modern values.
Many people gathered outside the palace compound hours before the ceremony despite unseasonably wet and cold weather – and even though they were not allowed to look inside to see the cerejapanese mony taking place. “We came because today is the last day of [the emperor’s era of] Heisei and we feel nostalgic,” said Akemi Yamauchi, 55, standing outside the palace with her husband.
“We like the current emperor,” said her husband Kaname. “He has worked hard for the people. He is very thoughtful and kind to everyone.”
Messages have come from global leaders.
South Korean president Moon Jae-in expressed gratidown tude in a letter to Akihito for his emphasis on peace and contributions to developing relations between Seoul and Tokyo.
US president Donald Trump expressed appreciation for his contribution to the two countries’ close relations. Mr Trump had a courtesy meeting with Akihito during his 2017 Japan visit and will be the first foreign leader in May to meet the new emperor.
Japanese television talk shows displayed a countto the midnight transition. Programming was dominated by the abdication and looking back at major events in Akihito’s era, including the 2011 tsunami, a deadly earthquake in Kobe in 1995, and the Tokyo subway nerve gas attack in 1995.
Security was extremely tight around the palace and across downtown Tokyo, with thousands of police mobilised.
Still, Japan was in festive mood over a change in an imperial era not caused by death. Many people visited shrines and temples to receive stamps dated on the last day of Akihito’s era of Heisei, or “achieving peace”.
Akihito took the throne in 1989 and devoted his career to making amends for a war fought in his father’s name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people.
With his commoner-born wife, empress Michiko, he reached out to the people, especially those who faced handicaps and discrimination, as well as those hit by disasters, illuminating the hardships of people often overlooked by society.