TOKYO, April 30 (NNN-KYODO) – Japanese Emperor Akihito will give a final farewell to the public later Tuesday in a ceremony to mark his abdication, the first by a Japanese monarch in about 200 years.
The 85-year-old emperor will make a final speech to the public at the state room within the Imperial Palace in the rite starting at 5 p.m. His elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, will accede to the throne on Wednesday.
Emperor Akihito proceeds to attend a ritual for his abdication at the Imperial Palace. Photo courtesy of KYODO
Prior to the emperor’s speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, representing the general public, will offer words of gratitude during the “Taiirei Seiden no gi” abdication ceremony.
A series of rituals linked to his abdication began Tuesday morning at the palace. The emperor, wearing a modern version of a ceremonial court dress thought to date back to between the eighth century and the 12th century, visited sacred areas of the palace.
The emperor will formally step down at midnight Tuesday, bringing an end to the 30-year Heisei Era. He will no longer engage in official duties.
On Wednesday, the new emperor will inherit traditional regalia, called “Sanshu no Jingi,” including the sacred sword and jewel, as proof of his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne in the “Kenji to Shokei no gi” ceremony from 10:30 a.m.
Later in the day, the new emperor will meet Abe and other representatives of the public for the first time since ascending the throne in the “Sokui go Choken no gi” rite beginning at 11:10 a.m.
In 2016, Emperor Akihito indicated his desire to step down in a rare televised video message, citing concern he might not be able to fulfill official duties due to his advanced age. The following year, Japan’s Diet enacted one-off legislation enabling him to do so.
NNN-KYODO
