Emperor Akihito, who has spent much of his nearly three decades on Japan’s throne seeking to soothe the wounds of World War Two, will step down on April 30, 2019 - the first abdication by a Japanese monarch in about two centuries.

Akihito will be succeeded by his heir, 57-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito.

Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2017/12/01/japan-panel-firms-up-april-30-2019-as-date-for-emperors-abdication--nhk/