Emperor Akihito Plans To Abdicate In April 2019, At Age 85

December 01 2017

Japan

Japan's Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate on April 30, 2019, reports NPR.

The Imperial Household Council announced the move on Friday.

The emperor, who will turn 84 on Dec. 23, first indicated his desire to step down in August 2016, citing health concerns. Because Japanese law does not provide for abdications, Japan passed a law allowing the move in June.

Crown Prince Naruhito, 57, will succeed his father. Emperor Akihito ascended to the throne in 1989 after the death of...

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