Japan, at a crossroads, greets a new era as Emperor Akihito steps down
TOKYO - For 30 years, he stood as a symbol of postwar Japan - wrestling with the memory of military aggression and defeat, persevering through natural disasters and guiding the nation through evolving questions of identity.
On Tuesday afternoon, Emperor Akihito officially abdicated that role, stepping down from the Chrysanthemum Throne of Japan, becoming the first emperor to do so in more than two centuries. His reign was scheduled to expire with the stroke of midnight.
"Today, I completed my role as emperor," Akihito said in his final remarks.
