Saipan residents reflect on Emperor Akihito's 2005 visit to pay respects to war dead
Even 14 years later, the trip by Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands remains one of the Pacific island's most memorable occasions. News about the emperor's April 30 abdication stirred memories among some residents of the then-imperial ...
Controversy over separation of state and religion in Japan rekindled after Shinto imperial rite
As Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne Wednesday, a key imperial succession ritual related to Shinto rekindled controversy over the separation of state and religion, which is stipulated in the Constitution. Shinto is a Japanese religion in which the emperor is venerated as a descendant ...
Delivering his first speech since ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne, Japan’s new emperor vowed to “act according to the Constitution” and fulfill his role as the symbol of the state.
Public hope for more of the same from their new emperor and continuing peace for Japan in Reiwa
As Emperor Naruhito assumed his new role Wednesday, people on the streets of Japan expressed hope that he will continue the legacy of peace shaped by his father.
Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday, as the new imperial era — known as Reiwa — began following his father's abdication the previous day after three decades as emperor. The 59-year-old new emperor is expected to follow the footsteps of his father, ...
Veteran journalist Kenji Goto looks back — and forward — on Heisei and Reiwa eras
With the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne and the beginning of the Reiwa Era on Wednesday, Japan concluded the 30-year Heisei Era. Ahead of the change, The Japan Times spoke with Kenji Goto, 70, a veteran journalist who covered the death of ...
Japan's former emperor and empress to switch residences with their successors in Tokyo
Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko are set to vacate the Imperial Palace following Tuesday's abdication, to make way for the new emperor and his family as they hand over their public duties and look forward to leisurely days. The emperor emeritus and empress ...
Emperor Akihito abdicates with prayer for peace as Heisei Era ends
The abdication by a living Japanese monarch was the first since 1817.
China has expressed appreciation for the achievements of Japanese Emperor Akihito, who declared his abdication on Tuesday, saying he has contributed to improving ties between the two nations. "Emperor Akihito visited China in 1992 and met with Chinese party and state leaders on many occasions. ...
Japan's international emperor exits the stage
Emperor Akihito has been much more of a global leader than a national one. That sets him apart from his father — and from many of the world's current leaders.
Not performed for 200 years in Japan, abdication seen recently in monarchies in Europe — and Bhutan
Emperor Akihito on Tuesday became Japan's first monarch in more than 200 years to relinquish the throne, but around the world such moves are not uncommon. Including Commonwealth nations, the world has over 40 countries with some form of monarchy, the structures of which vary ...
A different era for Japan: The ascensions of two emperors
Much like chapters in a book, the enthronement of an emperor marks the beginning of a new era in Japan. From Meiji to Taisho to Showa, each imperial era began and ended with the death of an emperor followed by a yearlong period in ...
