Akihito abdicates as Japan marks end of era

Japanese Emperor Akihito, in the final remarks as his three-decade reign drew to a close, on Tuesday thanked people for their support and expressed hope for a peaceful future, Reuters reported.

Akihito, 85, the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in two centuries, has sought during his time on the throne to ease the painful memories of World War II and reach out to ordinary people, including those marginalized in society.

The popular Akihito was the first monarch to take the Chrysanthemum Throne under a post-war constitution that defines the emperor as a symbol of the people without political power.

His father, Hirohito, in whose name Japanese troops fought World War II, was considered a living deity until after Japan's defeat in 1945, when he renounced his divinity.

"To the people who accepted and supported me as a symbol, I express my heartfelt thanks," Akihito, wearing a Western-style morning coat, said at a brief abdication ceremony in the Imperial Palace. The ceremony was broadcast live on television.

"Together with the empress, I hope from my heart that the new Reiwa era that begins tomorrow will be peaceful and fruitful, and pray for the peace and happiness of our country and the people of the world," said a solemn Akihito, referring to the new imperial era, standing flanked by Empress Michiko, who wore a long white-and-grey dress.

Tuesday marked the last day of the Heisei imperial era, which began on Jan 8, 1989, after Akihito assumed the throne. The era saw economic stagnation, natural disasters and rapid technological change.

Akihito officially remains emperor until midnight, when the new Reiwa era, meaning "beautiful harmony", begins.

Era names, or gengo in Japanese, are usually announced after the accession of the monarch. But the government announced it on April 1, before the accession of Akihito's eldest son, Naruhito, so that the public would have time to prepare for the change and disruption would be kept to a minimum, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Naruhito, 59, will ascend the throne in separate ceremonies on Wednesday.

Akihito, together with Michiko, his wife of 60 years and the first commoner to marry an imperial heir, carved out an active role as symbols of reconciliation, peace and democracy.

Akihito, who has had treatment for prostate cancer and heart surgery, said in a televised address in 2016 that he feared his age would make it hard for him to carry out his duties fully.

Despite near constant rain in Tokyo, around 300 well-wishers congregated outside the Palace during the historic ceremony.

Tight security

Video aired on NHK public television showed Akihito earlier, wearing a dark orange traditional robe and black headdress, walking slowly into the first sanctuary as a courtier in a white robe walked behind holding the train and another carried a sword. Crown Prince Naruhito conducted a similar ceremony, NHK said.

Onlookers including foreign tourists gathered outside the Imperial Palace, a 115-hectare compound in the heart of Tokyo protected by a moat and walls, that is home to the emperor and empress. Security was tight with several thousand police officers mobilized in the capital, media has reported.

"I think the emperor is loved by the people. His image is one of encouraging the people, such as after disasters, and being close to the people," said Morio Miyamoto, 48.

"I hope the next emperor will, like the Heisei emperor, be close to the people in the same way," he said.

(China Daily 05/01/2019 page4)