Japan's emperor abdicates throne and hands it over to son

Emperor Akihito has become the first monarch to abdicate the Chrysanthemum Throne, and hand it over to his son to usher in a new era. Emperor Akihito will abdicate in favour of 59-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito in a set of solemn ceremonies, also kicking off the new imperial 'Reiwa' era that will last throughout the new monarch's reign. The ritual-bound process began on Tuesday morning with the emperor, dressed in golden-brown robes and a black headpiece, "reporting" his abdication to his ancestors and the Gods at several "sanctuaries" at the palace, while the main event will be held at 5:00 pm local time, when the 85-year-old emperor will formally step down in a 10-minute ceremony.