Japan's Emperor Akihito first in 200 yrs to renounce throne
Japan's Emperor Akihito will renounce his throne on April 30, 2019, becoming the country's first monarch in 200 years to abdicate. The 83-year-old emperor, who has had heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer, expressed his wish to abdicate the throne in 2016. He had said his health could make it difficult to carry out his duties in the future.