TOKYO 30 Apr (ANA) - Japan's Emperor Akihito has declared his abdication and delivered his last public address as emperor, in a historic ceremony in Tokyo.

 

He is the first Japanese monarch to stand down in more than 200 years.

 

The 85-year-old was given permission to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfil his role because of his age and declining health.

 

Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the throne on Wednesday, beginning a new era.

 

The emperor in Japan holds no political power but serves as a national figurehead.

 

Making his final speech in a Western-style morning coat, Akihito said he "wished Japan and the world peace and prosperity".

 

"I am deeply grateful for the people that accepted me as a symbol and supported me," he said.

 

"Along with the empress consort, I hope from my heart the Reiwa era will be peaceful and fruitful, and I hereby pray for the well-being and happiness of our country and people of the world."

 

After helping his wife, Empress Michiko, down the steps, the emperor turned and bowed towards the gathered officials as he left the room.

 

Akihito's reign has been marked by his interactions with people suffering from disease and disaster, which have endeared him to many Japanese people.

 

In the first private ceremonies of the day, the emperor reported his abdication to the mythological ancestors of Japan's imperial family.

 

The Taiirei-Seiden-nogi, or main Ceremony of the Abdication of His Majesty the Emperor, took place at the Matsu-no-Ma state room in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

 

Over 300 people attended, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Crown Prince Naruhito, and Crown Princess Masako.

 

It began at 17:00 local time (08:00 GMT) and lasted around 10 minutes.

 

Imperial chamberlains carried Japan's state and privy seals into the hall, along with a sacred sword and a jewel which are considered symbols of the imperial family.

 

Speaking ahead of the emperor's address, Prime Minister Abe said: "While keeping in our hearts the path that the emperor has walked, we will make utmost efforts to create a bright future for a proud Japan that is full of peace and hope."

 

The ceremony ended with Akihito's final address, though he will technically be emperor until midnight.(ANA)

FA/ANA/30 April 2019--------