Japan's ageing Emperor Akihito plans to step down in favour of his eldest son within a few years, Japanese media reported Wednesday, in what would be the first such royal abdication in two centuries.

While the 92-year-old emperor emeritus does not have major health issues, he has expressed his desire to have the impact of his funeral on people’s lives be as small as possible.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. FILE PHOTO : Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko (R) bow at an altar as they offer a moment of silence to war dead during ...

The abdication of a Japanese royal has not transpired since 1817 Japan’s Emperor Akihito is abdicating on Tuesday, making way for his son to take the throne. Akihito, 85, announced his plan to step ...

Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who turned 91 on Dec. 23, continues leading a calm and regular daily life, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

In this Feb. 3, 2019, photo, Kazuo Oda, a retired trading house executive and longtime tennis friend of Emperor Akihito, speaks on a photograph showing Oda with then Crown Price Akihito and Michiko ...

Akihito's 2013 wish to limit the public impact of his funeral is now reshaping the ceremony, reducing attendance and avoiding tree felling at the venue.