31 March

Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate in exactly one month, bringing the current Heisei era to a close. He is expected to carry out his duties as the symbol of the state until the day of his abdication on April 30.

On Monday, the Emperor is scheduled to sign and stamp a government ordinance for changing the era name after it is approved by the Cabinet. From April 17, the Emperor and Empress Michiko will visit Mie Prefecture for three days. The Imperial couple will attend a ceremony preceding the abdication at Ise Shrine, where imperial ancestors are enshrined.

It will be their last regional visit as Emperor and Empress. On April 23, the Imperial couple will pay their respects at the mausoleum of the late Emperor Showa in suburban Tokyo. It is also part of a series of ceremonies leading to the abdication. On the 26th, the Emperor and Empress will attend an award ceremony of the MIDORI Academic Prize, as the last official duty as Emperor and Empress outside the Imperial Palace.

On April 30, the Emperor will attend the abdication ceremony, give his last speech to the nation and step down. It will be the first time in 202 years for the abdication ceremony to be held. Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the throne on the following day, May 1.—NHK