Emperor Akihito will step down in favor of his elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito, on Tuesday, ending the 30-year Heisei Era, during which he sought to bring the monarchy closer to the people.

Here are some of their reactions:

"I think the emperor is loved by the people. His image is one of encouraging the people, such as after disasters, and being close to the people," said Morio Miyamoto, 48. "I hope the next emperor will, like the Heisei emperor, be close to the people in the same way."