Emperor Emeritus Akihito turned 86 on Monday, marking his first birthday since he stepped down from the chrysanthemum throne in late April to become the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in around 200 years.
The former emperor continues to live in the Imperial Palace but has largely withdrawn from public life since his abdication on April 30, a day before his elder son, Emperor Naruhito, ascended the throne.
The former emperor's birthday is no longer designated as a national holiday, as it was during his 30-year reign.