Published: 20:57 EST, 22 December 2017 | Updated: 20:57 EST, 22 December 2017
TOKYO (AP) – Japan's Emperor Akihito has marked his 84th birthday with a pledge to fulfill his duties until the day of his abdication in April.
Akihito waved to thousands of well-wishers from a balcony of the royal palace. He will attend birthday celebrations at the palace later Saturday. He spoke in advance at a news conference earlier this week.
The government this month formally approved Akihito's abdication for April 30, 2019. His elder son Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne the next day.
In this Dec. 6, 2017, photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Emperor Akihito talks with Empress Michiko at Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Akihito celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)
Akihito last year expressed his wish to abdicate, citing his age and health as a concern. He ascended the throne in January 1989 after the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito, beginning the Heisei Era.
The last emperor to abdicate was Kokaku in 1817.
In this Dec. 6, 2017, photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko take a stroll in the garden of Imperial Residence at Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Akihito celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)
In this Dec. 6, 2017, photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Emperor Akihito with Empress Michiko poses for a photo at Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Akihito celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)
In this Dec. 6, 2017, photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko take a stroll in the garden of Imperial Residence at Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Akihito celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)
In this Dec. 6, 2017, photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Emperor Akihito poses for a photo at Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Akihito celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)
In this Dec. 6, 2017, photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko take a stroll in the garden of Imperial Residence at Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Akihito celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)
In this Dec. 6, 2017, photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Emperor Akihito poses for a photo in the garden of Imperial Residence at Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Akihito celebrated his 84th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP)
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
[contf] [contfnew] 
Daily Mail
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
The post Japan Emperor turns 84, thanks people over abdication… appeared first on News Wire Now.
