Japan has waited more than two centuries for an emperor to abdicate, but the main ceremony to perform the ritual will take a mere 10 minutes. The solemn rite will take place at precisely 5:00 pm local time (0800 GMT) on April 30 in the 370-square-metre “Matsu-no-Ma” (Room of Pine), considered the most elegant hall […]
Abdication
Emperor Akihito pays last homage at Shinto shrine before abdication
Japanese Emperor Akihito made his last pilgrimage to the country’s holiest Shinto shrine on Thursday, as people lined the route to catch a glimpse of the 85-year-old ahead of his abdication this month. Akihito and his wife Michiko’s last trip as emperor and empress to the Ise Jingu shrine in central Japan is part of […]
Abdication becoming more frequent in the modern age
When the 85-year-old Japanese Emperor Akihito steps down on April 30, it will be the latest in a string of historic abdications that have included the pope and several monarchs. As medical technology improves and lifespans grow, the concept of a lifetime of duty is gradually being eroded and abdications are becoming increasingly acceptable and […]