Party leader sends letter to Japanese “Emperor Emeritus”

In his letter, Trong extended thanks to Akihito’s fine sentiment to the land and people of Viet Nam and spoke highly of his first landmark visit to Viet Nam in early 2017.

On the last day of his 30-year reign, Emperor Akihito on Tuesday said he “sincerely thanks” the Japanese people for their support of him as the symbol of the state, paving the way for the nation’s first abdication in around 200 years and Crown Prince Naruhito’s accession to the Chrysanthemum throne at midnight, according to the Japan Times.

The abdication by a living Japanese monarch was the first since 1817. Following Tuesday’s exit, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will be officially referred to as the “emperor emeritus” and “empress emerita,” respectively.

The abdication in turn will put an end to the 30-year run of the Heisei (Achieving Peace) imperial era, which began on Jan. 8 in 1989. When the clock hits midnight, Japan will enter a new era called Reiwa (Beautiful Harmony), opening a new chapter in its history under the reign of the new emperor.

The process for the abdication was set in motion in 2016, when Emperor Akihito hinted at his desire to bow out early in a nationally televised video message, citing concerns that his advanced age is interfering with his ability to fulfill his role as a symbol of the nation./.

By Ngoc Van