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 ...
Braving heat and wind — but not rain or snow — superfan finds Japan's royals wherever they go
Wherever Japan's imperials go, there too goes Fumiko Shirataki: in summer heat and winter cold, to the ocean and to the mountains. Except when it snows or rains too hard. "You can't get good pictures then — and if the camera lens gets wet, it might ...
Chronology of key events related to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko
The following is a chronology of major events related to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko: Dec. 23, 1933: Prince Akihito born as the elder son of Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako, who are posthumously called Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun. September 1939: World War ...
People across Japan look back on Heisei Era, with hopes that peace will reign through Reiwa
With the 30-year Heisei Era nearing its end as then-Emperor Akihito prepared to abdicate at midnight Tuesday, members of the public recalled the past three decades and expressed their hopes for the new era starting the next day. Crowds visited the Imperial Palace as rain ...
Japan's Emperor Akihito anticipated and battled with challenges of age in final years of his era
In recent years, the emperor has depended more on help from his assistants, who send him signals to proceed during official ceremonies and other events.
