2019 Japanese imperial transition
The 2019 Japanese imperial transition occurred on 30 April 2019 when the then 85-year-old Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated from the Chrysanthemum Throne after reigning for 30 years, becoming the first Emperor of Japan to do so since Emperor Kōkaku in 1817. This marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era, and saw numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his eldest son and successor, Emperor Naruhito. The Enthronement Ceremony took place on 22 October 2019. Akihito's younger son, Prince Akishino, is his brother's heir presumptive. The ceremony cost 16.6 billion Yen.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announces the new Imperial era "Reiwa" to the press.
Akihito is a member of the Imperial House of Japan who reigned as the 125th emperor of Japan from 1989 until his abdication in 2019. The era of his rule was named the Heisei (平成) era, Heisei being an expression of achieving peace worldwide.
Akihito in 2014
One year old Akihito with his mother Empress Kōjun, 1934
Akihito at the Crown Prince's investiture ceremony, 1952
Akihito, aged 19, at the Van Gogh exhibition in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, 1953