"EMPEROR"

The Emperor expressed his gratitude to medical workers battling against the novel coronavirus and also showed concern over social discrimination and prejudice triggered by the pandemic in his New Year message to the public.

The Rikkoshi-Senmei-no-gi, the main ceremony to proclaim Crown Prince Akishino’s rise to first in line to the throne, was held at the Imperial Palace on Sunday morning.

TOKYO - More than five months have passed since the Imperial household marked the beginning of the Reiwa era, in the wake of the Emperor succeeding his father to take the Imperial throne.

Naruhito was officially enthroned yesterday.

The Japanese government has officially set the date for Emperor Akihito’s abdication as April 30, 2019, and the date for the crown prince’s accession to the throne as May 1, 2019, following Cabinet approval on December 8.

Tokyo - To bow or not to bow: That was the question when US President Donald Trump held a closely watched meet-and-greet with the Japanese emperor laden with potential protocol pitfalls.

Tuesday marked one year since Japan’s Emperor Akihito indicated his desire to abdicate. Following the enactment of a special-measures law, the emperor will be referred to as “joko” – an official post-abdication title – within three years.

Tokyo- The Japanese government is planning to hold a ceremony for Emperor Akihito’s envisioned abdication next December in what would be the nation’s first such event in around 200 years, official sources said on Wednesday.

TOKYO — The first ever visit to Việt Nam by a Japanese Emperor and Empress is a historical event of great significance that will reinforce mutual trust and friendship, says a senior Japanese official.

Tokyo, Japan — Philippine President Duterte’s state call on Emperor Akihito on Thursday afternoon has been canceled following the death of his Majesty’s uncle, Prince Mikasa.

TOKYO - The Japanese emperor indicated his intention to abdicate in a video message made public on Monday, saying it will become “difficult” for him to fulfill his duties as the symbol of the state in the future.