Emperor Akihito

Overworked Japan loses last public holiday of the year, even though it’s still on the calendar

No Country for Old Holidays.

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Christian groups in Japan criticize emperor’s ascension ceremony as violation of constitution

Spokesmen say this week’s ceremony, and another scheduled for October, violate the principal of separation of church and state.

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How do you say “Happy New Era” in Japanese?

With the imperial Heisei era over and the Reiwa period just beginning, this is the phrase to use.

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Japan’s new emperor ascends to throne, makes first speech with wish for peace, happiness

Emperor Naruhito looks back on emperors of the past before turning his eyes to the nation’s future.

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Emperor of Japan abdicates throne, issues final imperial statement to people of Japan【Video】

Emperor Akihito’s 30-year reign, known as the Heisei era, comes to a close.

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Four new era names the Japanese government rejected before deciding on Reiwa

The era of orderly peace could have been the era of vast glory instead.

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Prime Minister explains rationale behind decision and compares people of Japan to flowers, but not cherry blossoms.

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End of the Heisei Era: Japanese government to announce new era name on 1 April

Japanese netizens pitch in with guesses on what it might be.

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Donald Trump will probably be the first foreign leader to meet with Japan’s new emperor

State visit likely to occur in late spring/early summer of next year.

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Classic British stories get sudden burst of popularity in Japan thanks to Empress Michiko

After she said she wants to read them after retirement, book stores and publishing companies quickly sold out of copies.

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Japanese Emperor’s abdication date set, end of Heisei era now officially on the horizon

The Japanese Prime Minister made the announcement today, following a meeting held by the Imperial Household Council.

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Japanese Emperor’s abdication date to be decided next month, expected later than initial reports

Emperor Akihito will likely be sitting on the Chrysanthemum Throne a little longer than most expected.

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Emperor Akihito hints at abdication of throne in new video message

The Emperor’s decision to break his silence on the controversial issue has sparked considerable debate and contemplation in Japan.

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Confusion as Imperial official denies rumors that Japan’s Emperor Akihito plans to step down

It’s been a whirlwind day in the Japanese media amidst rumors that Emperor Akihito plans to abdicate in the near future, but an Imperial official is now denying these claims.

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Japan’s reigning monarch steps out into town with his wife and several dozen bodyguards and attendants.

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