3m
30 Apr 2019

Japan’s Emperor Akihito abdicates

Chief Correspondent

Tomorrow, Japan will have a new emperor, the country’s 126th, when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum throne.

Today in Tokyo, Emperor Akihito stood down from his position as ceremonial head of state, a position he has held for 30 years.

Our Chief Correspondent Alex Thomson has been watching the passing of a generation.