TOKYO -- Japan's government is looking to autumn 2019 for the ceremony marking the crown prince's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, five months or more after Emperor Akihito is to abdicate.
The cabinet will approve the date for Akihito to step down April 30 of that year, ending the present Heisei era, with a new one to begin May 1 as Crown Prince Naruhito assumes the Imperial seat. It will be the first abdication by a Japanese emperor in about 200 years.
