TOKYO-- Japan's much admired Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate on April 30, 2019, at age 85 in the first such departure from the Chrysanthemum Throne in about 200 years, the government said Friday.

At age 82, and in declining health, the emperor of Japan, Akihito, indicated in a televised address on August 9 that he is contemplating abdication from the world's oldest hereditary monarchy.

Japan’s Emperor Emeritus Akihito will be admitted to hospital for heart tests on Tuesday, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing the Imperial Household Agency. Akihito, 91, who is retired ...

Japan’s Emperor Akihito, the first to serve from the outset in a purely ceremonial role, signalled his wish to step down in a matter of years, national broadcaster NHK reported. The emperor ...