Japan prepares for emperor’s abdication

Japan authorities ramped up security for the start of Japan’s new “Reiwa” imperial era.

The new era begins on Wednesday when Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne a day after the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito, brings to an end the 31-year Heisei era.

Emperor Akihito, will be the first Japanese ruler in more than 200 years to abdicate, bringing the current Heisei imperial era to an end on 30 April.

The incoming emperor is different in many ways from his more tradition-bound predecessors.

Crown Prince Naruhito has consistently challenged expectations by prioritising his family and academic life.

Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, represents a Japan and imperial family that differ significantly from those of his predecessors.

When Crown Prince Naruhito becomes emperor on 1 May it will mark the dawn of Japan’s Reiwa era.

The name of the new imperial era, meaning “beautiful harmony”, was taken from Japan’s oldest poetry anthology Manyoshu.

Despite the public’s approval, there remain questions about the role the future Emperor Naruhito will play in a changing Japan.

The emperor’s role is largely ceremonial, focusing on public engagement with citizens and meeting foreign dignitaries.

But Naruhito, who will be the first emperor born after World War Two, may be expected to push for change.

Despite the public’s approval, there remain questions about the role the future Emperor Naruhito will play in a changing Japan.

The emperor’s role is largely ceremonial, focusing on public engagement with citizens and meeting foreign dignitaries.

But Naruhito, who will be the first emperor born after World War Two, may be expected to push for change.

Despite the public’s approval, there remain questions about the role the future Emperor Naruhito will play in a changing Japan.

The emperor’s role is largely ceremonial, focusing on public engagement with citizens and meeting foreign dignitaries.

But Naruhito, who will be the first emperor born after World War Two, may be expected to push for change.

Via BBC