The Latest on Emperor Akihito’s abdication (all times local): 5:15 p.m. Japan’s Emperor Akihito has announced at a ceremony that he…
The Latest on Emperor Akihito’s abdication (all times local):
5:15 p.m.
Japan’s Emperor Akihito has announced at a ceremony that he is abdicating, in his final official address to his people.
In the ceremony at the palace on Tuesday, Akihito also thanked his people for their support during his 30-year reign as emperor.
He said it was fortunate for him that he could fulfil his duties with full trust and faith in his people.
Akihito’s reign ends at midnight Tuesday, after which his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, ascends the throne as new emperor.
Naruhito’s ascension will be formalized at a separate ceremony on Wednesday.
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4:30 p.m.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga noted that Emperor Akihito’s era ending free of war is what the Japanese wanted.
Suga told reporters Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting endorsed Akihito’s abdication speech, expressed his appreciation to the emperor for his steady effort of reaching out and standing by the people during his 30-year reign.
Suga said, « I renew my gratitude to the emperor and the empress from the bottom of my heart. »
He hoped the new era of emperor-to-be Naruhito will also be the time when each of his people can « make their flowers of hope bloom.
