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World Update: Japanese Emperor Akihito declares historic abdication

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30/04/2019 GMT

Japanese Emperor Akihito declares historic abdication

BBC World Service - World Update, Japanese Emperor Akihito declares historic abdication

Akihito becomes first Japanese emperor to stand down in 200 years

Japan's Emperor Akihito has declared his abdication and delivered his last public address as emperor, in a historic ceremony in Tokyo.

The 85-year-old was given permission to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfil his role because of his age and declining health.

Also on the programme: the lastest from Mozambique where thousands have been affected by Cyclone Kenneth; and Cambridge University's new assessment of how it may have benefited from slavery

(Photo: Emperor Akihito, Credit: Reuters)

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