Japan's Emperor Akihito has declared his historic abdication

Colombo (News 1st) - For the first time in more than 200 years, a Japanese emperor has abdicated the Chrysanthemum Throne. He will remain as the emperor till midnight today and his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito san 59, will be inaugurated as the 126th emperor on Wednesday, ushering in the Reiwa era- meaning order and harmony - will begin in Japan's unique calendar. Since the emperor holds no political powers he will serve as a national figurehead. This (30 April) morning the emperor took part in Shinto ceremony to report his plans to the mythological ancestors of Japan's imperial family. He said, "I am deeply grateful for the people that accepted me as a symbol and supported me," "I sincerely wish, together with the empress, that the Reiwa era which begins tomorrow will be a stable and fruitful one," he added. "I pray, with all my heart, for peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world." (Script courtesy - BBC)