Japan's abdicating emperor and his diplomacy

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visit the Great Wall in Beijing, October 1992. It is the only visit ever by a Japanese Emperor to China. After 30 years on the throne, Emperor Akihito is abdicating April 30, 2019. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will officially take the throne May 1, 2019. [Photo: IC]