Tokyo, March 12 (Jiji Press)--The first of a series of ceremonies related to Japanese Emperor Akihito's abdication was held at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo on Tuesday morning.

Tokyo, March 4 (Jiji Press)--Japan's new Emperor will appear for congratulatory visits by the general public at the Imperial Palace on May 4, after Crown Prince Naruhito's enthronement on May 1,

Tokyo, July 13 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Emperor Akihito is hoping to abdicate and pass on the Chrysanthemum throne to Crown Prince Naruhito in the next few years, sources in the Imperial Household Ag