Japan’s Emperor Akihito abdicates throne, son Naruhito takes over

The new emperor was presented with the items his father Akihito relinquished - sacred imperial treasures of a sword and a jewel, as well as the seal of state.

Japan's Emperor Akihito speaks during the ceremony of his abdication in front of other members of the royal families and top government officials at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Tuesday, April 30, 2019. The 85-year-old Akihito ends his three-decade reign 

Japan's Emperor Akihito bows before leaving after the ceremony of his abdication. HIs abdication, the first in 200 years, has resulted in an unprecedented 10-day public holiday for the famously hard-working Japanese, with many taking advantage of the break to travel. (Photo | AP)

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, right, followed by Crown Prince Akishino, walks for the ceremony to receive the Imperial regalia of sword and jewel as proof of succession at Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo | AP)

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, accompanied by new Empress Masako, makes his first address during a ritual after succeeding his father Akihito at Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino are seen at left. (Photo | AP)

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito and new Empress Masako are driven to Imperial Palace to greet Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Naruhito succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne Wednesday after his father Akihito abdicated Tuesday. (Photo | AP)

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito receives the Imperial regalia of sword and jewel as proof of succession at the ceremony at Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo | AP)

Princess Aiko, daughter of Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, arrives at Imperial Palace to greet Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. Naruhito inherited the sacred sword and jewel that signaled his succession and pledged in his first public address Wednesday to follow his father's example by devoting himself to peace and sharing the people's joys and sorrows. (Photo | AP)

In this aerial photo, the motorcade of Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, second from left, move past well-wishers after attending his imperial rituals at the Imperial Palace Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito inherited Imperial regalia and seals as proof of his succession and pledged in his first public address Wednesday to follow his father's example in devoting himself to peace and staying close to the people. (Photo | AP)

Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, accompanied by new Empress Masako, leaves after making his first address during a ritual after succeeding his father Akihito at Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (Photo | AP)