Japanese emperor Akihito begins historic abdication

The day's ceremonies began with several private rituals in the Imperial Palace. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 5 PM local time, at the Imperial Palace.

The 85-year-old Emperor has been given legal permission to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfil his role because of his age and declining health.

His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne the next day, beginning a new era.