51�Թ�

Naruhito’s father, Akihito, abdicated in 2019.

Emperor Akihito abdicated in 2019 at the age of 85, citing age and declining health in his decision to hand over the throne to his son Emperor Naruhito.

Akihito had devoted his three-decades long reign to making amends for a war fought in his father’s name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people.

Akihito prepared his nation for the step by expressing a wish years earlier to abdicate while he was still well and capable.

Emperor Emeritus Akihito devoted his career to making amends for a war fought in the name of the wartime emperor, Hirohito, the current emperor’s grandfather.