Japan's emperor performs main abdication ceremony

Outgoing Japanese emperor Akihito today performed the main ritual to hand over the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son Naruhito -- Japan's first abdication in more than two centuries. Akihito technically remains emperor until the stroke of midnight when the country ushers in the new imperial era of Reiwa, or "beautiful harmony", that will last as long as Naruhito reigns.

from World News Headlines, Latest International News, World Breaking News - Times of India http://bit.ly/2J5RI87
Outgoing Japanese emperor Akihito today performed the main ritual to hand over the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son Naruhito -- Japan's first abdication in more than two centuries. Akihito technically remains emperor until the stroke of midnight when the country ushers in the new imperial era of Reiwa, or "beautiful harmony", that will last as long as Naruhito reigns.