Tag: emperor abdication

Japan clears way for first emperor abdication in over 200 years

by Kyoko Hasegawa Agence France-Presse TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan’s parliament passed a law Friday that clears the way for its ageing Emperor Akihito to step down, in what would be the first imperial abdication in more than two centuries. The popular 83-year-old monarch shocked the country last summer when he signalled his desire to take a back seat after nearly three decades on the Chrysanthemum Throne, citing his age and health problems. The unexpected move […]