Akihito 1st Japanese Emperor to step down from throne in 200 years

Akihito on Tuesday became the first Japanese Emperor to step down from the throne in more than 200 years. The 85-year-old was given legal permission to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfil his role because of his age and declining health. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne on Wednesday, beginning a new era.