What Happened in History: Browse Historical Facts on Kudos 365

Japan's Emperor Akihito officially announces his abdication from the Japanese throne. 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. At midnight, his son, Crown Prince Naruhito will become the new emperor. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had announced in December 2017 that Akihito's abdication would take place at the end of 30 April 2019, The abdication of Emperor Akihito was remarkable for being the first of a Japanese emperor in 200 years. More