Japan’s emperor Akihito declares historic abdication

Japan's emperor Akihito announced his abdication at a ceremony in imperial palace. The 85-year-old emperor decided to stand down due to ailing health. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe expressed his gratitude towards the emperor. It's for the first time a living monarch ceded the Chrysanthemum Throne in over 200 years. “As of today, I am concluding my duties as the emperor. I hope to express my deepest gratitude to the words given by prime minister as the representative of the people of Japan,” said Emperor Akihito.