Japanese Emperor “to abdicate”

Japan's Emperor Akihito, 82, has expressed his desire to abdicate in the next few years, a step that would be unprecedented in modern Japan. Crown Prince Naruhito, 56, is next in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Emperor Akihito Born 1933 Acceded 1989 125th in imperial line believed to be unbroken
for 2,600 years

Empress Michiko b1934

Imperial Standard

Crown Prince Naruhito b1960

Masako Owada b1963

Prince Akishino b1965

Kiko Kawashima b1966

Princess Sayako* b1969

Line of succession

Princess Aiko b2001

Princess Mako b1991

Princess Kako b1994

Prince Hisahito b2006

*Left Imperial Family in 2005 on marriage to commoner

Source: Japanese Imperial HouseholdPictures: Associated Press, Newscom