Emperor Akihito, who is set to abdicate on April 30, commemorated on Monday the 30th anniversary of the death of his father, Emperor Showa, at his tomb in Tokyo.
Emperor Akihito had expressed his desire to host the ceremony at the Musashino Mausoleum in Hachioji before relinquishing the throne, according to a senior Imperial Household Agency official. His wish is believed to have been a factor when the government decided the date for his abdication.
About 80 people including Empress Michiko, Prince Akishino, the younger son of the Emperor, and his wife Princess Kiko, as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the ceremony. The Emperor bowed before the mausoleum and read aloud a passage to mourn his father.