| Japan's Emperor Akihito greeted the citizens of his country to express his good wishes for the new year in the last ceremony of its kind before he abdicates in April 30. He was accompanied by his wife, Empress Michiko, and children, including his successor, Crown Prince Naruhito. The Imperial Household Agency told media that the number of well-wishers exceeded 140,000 for Emperor Akihito's New Year address to the public. Akihito will become the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in around two centuries when he steps down from the throne on April 30, ending his three-decade reign. |
