#JAPAN: Gov't Approves Plan For Abdication of Emperor On April 30, 2018; First Abdication In 200 Years.

[world politics news]

A special panel chaired by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday set April 30, 2019, as the date for Emperor Akihito’s abdication, the first retirement of a sitting Emperor in 200 years. The Chrysanthemum Throne is considered the world’s oldest monarchy. Akihito is 83 years old. The decision, expected to be approved by the government later this month, will pave the way for Crown Prince Naruhito, the eldest son of Emperor Akihito, to ascend the throne the following day, May 1, ushering in a new era that would end the Heisei Era, which started in 1989.

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#JAPAN: Legislature Starts Planning For Emperor To Abdicate In 2019

[world politics news]

The Japanese government has been considering the possibility of arranging for Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend the throne on Jan 1, 2019, with Emperor Akihito having expressed his desire to abdicate during a video message to the nation last August. The 83-year-old ceremonial monarch has been on the throne since 1989. Legislation is considering his post-reign role and where he will live after abdication. No emperor has abdicated since Japan's current constitution came into effect, the last abdication taking place in 1817.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: Emperor Expresses "Regret" For WWII Losses While In Philippines

[world politics news]

Japan's Emperor Akihito has expressed "regret" for wartime losses in the Philippines while on an official visit there. While host Pres. Aquino was in attendance, the remarks were likely aimed at Prime Minister Shindig Abe, who has resisted such conciliatory language, to the annoyance of China and South Korea.