After audience with the sun goddess, Japan's emperor Akihito prepares to abdicate

Akihito will become the country’s first monarch to give up the chrysanthemum throne in two centuries

Japan’s emperor Akihito is preparing to become the country’s first monarch to abdicate in two centuries, a day before his eldest son takes his place as the new occupant of the chrysanthemum throne.

Akihito, who expressed a desire to abdicate in 2016, fearing his age would make it difficult for him to carry out public duties, will enter the Matsu no Ma (Hall of Pine) at the imperial palace early on Tuesday evening and relinquish his title in a short ceremony that will be broadcast live on TV.

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from World news | The Guardian http://bit.ly/2Lc9nxx