TOKYO - Japan's Emperor Akihito will break with a centuries-old burial tradition by opting to be cremated like most ordinary citizens in the densely-populated nation, officials said Friday.

Akihito himself is a direct descendent of Japan’s first emperor Jimmu, believed to have reigned around 660 BC. The last emperor to abdicate was Emperor Kokaku in 1817 in the later part of the ...

The Japanese monarchy began with Emperor Jimmu, who supposedly began his empire in 660 B.C. after warring with local chieftains. However, Jimmu is largely seen as a symbolic and legendary figure.

Emperor Akihito of Japan indicated in a rare public address Monday that he wants to abdicate the throne, which would make him the first Japanese monarch in 200 years to step down. Here are five ...

Akihito was the 125th Emperor of Japan, a direct descendant of Japan’s first emperor Jimmu, circa 660 BC. Japan is the only country in the world where the monarch holds the title of Emperor.

Akihito himself is a direct descendent of Japan’s first emperor Jimmu, believed to have reigned around 660 BC. The last emperor to abdicate was Emperor Kokaku in 1817 in the later part of the ...