Japanese Emperor Akihito Abdicates Throne; New Crown Prince To Ascend

[underpants]

Source: NPR

For the first time in more than 200 years, a Japanese emperor has abdicated the Chrysanthemum Throne.

"Since ascending 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," Emperor Akihito said in a ceremony Tuesday evening at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, according to Japan Times.

"I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the state," the 85-year-old leader said, closing with a prayer for "peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world."

Akihito, who served for 31 years, was the first emperor to serve in the purely symbolic role set forth by Japan's post-World War II constitution, drafted by the United States. He was also the first emperor to marry a commoner, who became Empress Michiko.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2019/04/30/718519712/japanese-emperor-akihito-abdicates-throne-new-crown-prince-to-ascend

[sakabatou]

1. What's most interesting is that the Imperial Family is the longest running

in the world.

[JHB]

3. A lot of that is because they haven't really wielded power since the 12th century

They were converted into a sort of walking, breathing set of crown jewels -- they were symbols of legitimacy for shoguns and ministers who actually ran things.

[Haggis for Breakfast]

5. "They haven't really wielded power since the 12th century" ???

Hirohito wielded extraordinary power during WWII.

Kamikaze pilots ? Young men ready and willing to fly aircraft into targets for Hirohito, screaming his name all the way into death. I'd call that extraordinary power for ONE man.

No offense, JHB. But really ?

[jberryhill]

2. As long as they hire the best person for the job

[gopiscrap]

4. Wow, that's really historic

[underpants]

6. Yeah I let out a noise when I read it.