In the final annual New Year's Poetry Reading Ceremony before his abdication, Emperor Akihito reflected Wednesday on sunflowers, which have become associated with a major earthquake in the nation.

The choice of topic has been said to indicate his ongoing commitment those affected by the disaster.

The 85-year-old Emperor is scheduled to retire on April 30 as the first living Japanese monarch to do so in about 200 years, ending his reign and the Heisei Era. His son Crown Prince Naruhito will succeed him the following day.