Editor's Note: Japan's Emperor Akihito, 85, will step down on April 30. He is the first Japanese monarch to abdicate the throne in about 200 years. Let's walk down memory lane.
Japan's Emperor Akihito, accompanied by Empress Michiko, waves to well-wishers before leaving Ujiyamada Station after their visit to Ise Jingu shrine in Ise in the central Japanese prefecture of Mie, April 18, 2019, as he takes part in a series of rituals ahead of his abdication. [Photo/Agencies]
Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visit the Center for Advance Marine Core Research at Kochi University after attending the national meeting for the promotion of healthy seas in Nangoku city in Kochi Prefecture on Oct 29, 2018. [Photo/IC]
Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visit the Great Wall near Beijing, in October 1992. [Photo/IC]
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko upon their arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Nov 6, 2017. [Photo/IC]
President Bill Clinton speaks with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during a welcome ceremony at the Akasaka Palace state guesthouse in Tokyo, April 17, 1996. [Photo/IC]
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R), and Japanese Emperor Akihito (2nd R), his wife Empress Michiko (C), Prince Philip (L), and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, pause for photos as they arrive at the State Banquet Hall in Buckingham Palace, London, May 26, 1998. [Photo/IC]
Japan's Princess Sayako, Empress Michiko, Emperor Akihito, Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko (from left to right) look at Prince and Princess Akishino's eldest daughter Mako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, December 1992. [Photo/IC]
Prince Naruhito (L), current Japan's crown prince Naruhito, and his father Crown Prince Akihito, current emperor, look at Brazilian traditional artwork at Togu Palace in Tokyo, in December 1982. [Photo/IC]
Japan's Crown Prince Akihito (L), the current emperor, and Crown Princess Michiko in traditional ceremonial attire pose after the 'Kekkon-no-Gi', wedding ceremony, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, April 10, 1959. [Photo/IC]
Emperor Akihito born on Dec 23, 1933, is pictured as a baby in Tokyo, March 1934. [Photo/IC]
If you have any problems with this article, please contact us at app@chinadaily.com.cn and we'll immediately get back to you.
