Japan ready to celebrate beginning of new imperial era

Japanese Emperor Akihito (2nd L) and Empress Michiko (3rd L) attend a ritual ceremony for the Emperor's abdication in Tokyo, Japan, April 30, 2019. Japanese Emperor Akihito in his final speech as a monarch on Tuesday declared his abdication and said he sincerely hoped for a stable future for Japan and peace and happiness around the world. (Xinhua/Imperial Household Agency Handout)