A Japanese emperor has abdicated the first time more than 200 years. Emperor Akihito stepped down from the Chrysanthemum Throne April 30 after 30 years of being the Japanese monarch. He made way his son Crown Prince Naruhito to become the new emperor. Akihito decided to step because of his health. At the age 85, he has been visibly slowing down for the past few years. He has also had a couple health scares. He believes his son is now better able to carry the duties of emperor. Emperor Akihito will be remembered using a personal touch to bring his people together many national disasters. He continually visited people after earthquakes, tsunami and other tragedies.
The new Emperor Naruhito became the 126th emperor to ascend the throne the world's oldest monarchy. Naruhito, 59, spent two years studying Oxford University. His wife, the new Empress Masako, studied Harvard University and worked as a diplomat. A traditional ceremony took place as part the historic handover. the ceremony, Naruhito received a sacred sword, a jewel and official seals that date thousands of years. The ceremony took place the middle a ten-day Japanese holiday. The traditional Golden Week holiday was extended to allow people to celebrate the new emperor. Millions of Japanese were glued to their TVs and smartphones watching the historic event.
