Japan’s Emperor Akihito has declared his abdication in a historic ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The 85-year-old was given permission to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfil his role because of his age and declining health. He is the first Japanese monarch to stand down in more than 200 years.

This marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era and will precipitate numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his son and successor, Emperor Naruhito. The enthronement ceremony will likely happen on Tuesday, 22 October 2019.

Come to the library to learn more about it.