Japanese Emperor Akihito has decided to abdicate his throne as the Tennō. Emperor Akihito will abdicate on April 30, 2019, at age 85 in the first such abdication from the Chrysanthemum Throne in about 200 years.
He will be succeeded by his son Crown Prince Naruhito, who will ascend to the throne on May 1, 2019.
The Emperor has earlier made apparent wish to retire in 2016, citing his age and health.
Japanese Monarchy is one of the oldest in the world with 2,000 years if history behind it. Emperor’s desire to leave the throne revived a debate about the Japan’s future. Currently only male heirs are allowed to succeed to the throne.
The last emperor to abdicate was Kokaku in 1817.
