Japan’s Emperor Akihito Thanks Public in Last Speech

April 30, 2019

Tokyo- Emperor Akihito expressed his appreciation for the people in the last speech of his reign on Tuesday, paving the way for a change of Japan's era from Heisei to Reiwa.

"Today, I am concluding my duties as the Emperor," the retiring Emperor said during the "Taiirei-Seiden-no-Gi" ceremony at the Imperial Palace to inform the public of his abdication.

"I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the state," the Emperor said.

"Since ascending to the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the Emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so," he said.

The Emperor, 85, will officially abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne at midnight Tuesday (3 p.m. GMT), passing the torch to his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito, 59.

During the some 30 years and three months he served on the throne, the Emperor, with Empress Michiko at his side, has devoted himself to seeking to establish an ideal image of his constitutional role as the symbol of the state.

His abdication will bring the curtain down on the Heisei era, in which Japan has not been involved in any war as a main party, but has been mired in political and economic confusion and experienced numerous natural disasters and incidents.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe explained that Emperor Akihito's abdication was enabled by the special one-time law enacted in June 2017, which led to the first Imperial succession from a living Emperor in Japan in 202 years.

"I again renew my deep respect and appreciation for the Emperor, who shared joys and sorrows with the public on many occasions," Abe said in his speech on behalf of the people, referring to visits the Emperor has paid to areas devastated by natural disasters to cheer up those affected.

In a video message broadcast in August 2016, Emperor Akihito, the first Japanese Emperor to assume the throne under the postwar constitution, signaled his wish to step down due to his old age.

At midnight Tuesday, Crown Prince Naruhito will become the 126th Emperor, according to records of the Imperial Household Agency. He will be the third Emperor to serve as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people," as defined by the constitution.

After the abdication, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will be given the title of Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita.

The Taiirei-Seiden-no-Gi ceremony was held for the first time under the current constitution, which came into force in 1947.

It took place at the Imperial Palace's "Matsu-no-Ma" state room from 5 p.m. as an act in matters of state, offering the last opportunity for Emperor Akihito to meet representatives of the people as Emperor.

Dressed in a morning coat, the Emperor entered the room with Empress Michiko, followed by chamberlains carrying a sacred sword and jewel--two of the three Imperial regalia--and the state and privy seals.

The ceremony, which ended in about 10 minutes, was joined by 294 people, including all 15 adult members of the Imperial Family. Among them were Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino, the younger brother of the crown prince, and his wife, Princess Kiko.

Other participants included members of the Abe cabinet, the heads and deputy heads of both chambers of parliament, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, lawmakers and prefectural governors and municipal government leaders. Jiji Press