Japanese Emperor Abdicates Throne
Emperor Akihito, the 125th emperor of Japan, is stepping down from the throne he has held since 1989. Why is this such significant news? Because Akihito is the first Japanese emperor in modern history (since about the mid-1800s) to abdicate, or leave, his throne. Here, btw takes a closer look at the decision, and at […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Japanese Emperor Retiring? In Japan, unlike in the United States, emperors don’t have term limits. In fact, they aren’t allowed to retire . . . ever. But all of that may be about to change. Japan’s current leader, Emperor Akihito, is 83 years old. The son of the infamous Emperor Hirohito, who ruled Japan during […]