| On April 30, 2019, Japanese Emperor Akihito officially declared his abdication during his speech that he delivered during the state ceremony held at the Imperial Palace on his last day on the throne. Thereby, he officially handed over the throne to his son Crown Prince Naruhito. 300 guests including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, presidents of two wings of Japanese parliament Diet, ministers, High Court judges and members of the royal family attended the ceremony held for the emperor. |
