Japan's Emperor Akihito addresses at the House of Councillors plenary session in Tokyo, Japan, on August 1. Kyodo/Reuters. Japan's left is deeply suspicious of Abe's desire for constitutional change.

Akihito, along with Empress Michiko and the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, attended a short ceremony at 5 p.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) in the Matsu-no-Ma state room of the Imperial Palace.

Japanese Emperor Akihito announced his abdication at a palace ceremony Tuesday in his final address, as the nation embraced the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito said Monday that the he worries his health will prevent him from fulfilling his duties as the head of state. Hurricane-prone states The day in pictures Get the USA TODAY ...

Emperor Akihito Gives Up The Japanese Throne The 85-year-old emperor is the first to retire in more than 200 years. His son, the Crown Prince Naruhito, will become emperor on Wednesday.

Japan's Emperor Akihito, marking his 85th birthday — his last before his upcoming abdication — said he feels relieved that his reign is coming to an end without having seen his country at war ...

Japan’s much-loved Emperor Akihito will stand down on April 30, 2019, becoming the first Japanese monarch to abdicate his post in two centuries.

The emperor of Japan wants to abdicate his throne for health reasons, but according to the country’s Constitution, he can’t even express that wish much less fulfill it. Emperor Akihito, 82 ...

Japan's 83-year-old Emperor Akihito will abdicate on April 30, 2019, capping a three-decade reign on the Chrysanthemum Throne, the Imperial Household Council said Friday ...

Japan's beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 91st birthday on Monday, as he continues to pursue his lifetime research into goby fish, care for his wife and pray for peace.

Japanese Emperor Akihito turned 84 on December 23, 2017. Akihito is the 125th Emperor of Japan, a direct descendant of Japan's first emperor Jimmu, circa 660 B.C.