Japan’s Emperor Akihito abdicates

Akihito becomes the first emperor to abdicate in 200 years, passing the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son Crown Prince Naruhito

Imperial Standard
1 Place in line of succession

Emperor Hirohito 1901-1989
Empress Nagako 1903-2000

Emperor Akihito b1933
Empress Michiko b1934
            
Prince Masahito b1935-
Princess Hanako b1940

1 Crown Prince Naruhito b1960
Princess Masako b1963

2 Prince Akishino b1965
Princess Kiko b1966                
Princess  Sayako* b1969
     
Princess Aiko b2001
Princess Mako** b1991
Princess Kako b1994
3 Prince Hisahito b2006


*Left Imperial Family in 2005 on marriage to commoner **Expected to leave Family in 2020 on marriage to commoner


Source: Japanese Imperial Household © GRAPHIC NEWS
Pictures: Newscom, AP Getty Images, U.S. National Archives