Abdication: The End of the Heisei Era

Today marks the end of the Heisei Era. The 85-year-old Emperor Akihito has abdicated the  Chrysanthemum Throne in the Kenji to Shokei no gi ceremony thus marking the end of his peaceful thirty-year reign. We will miss this kind benevolent Emperor who had sought to heal the wounds of war committed in his father's name. His life's mission near complete, he had visited many if not most of the countries and battlefields to pray for Japan's fallen and for Japan's victims of war. His reign is marked as an era of Peace for Japan. It is understandable and most reasonable for him to retire to become Emperor Emeritus given his advanced age. Now in his twilight years, he passes on the torch to Crown Prince Naruhito who will become the new Reiwa Emperor in an era named for orderly peace and harmony. We at American Mishima wish The Heisei Emperor and Empress Michiko a peaceful retirement and joy in their golden years. We would like to thank the Heisei Emperor for all his kindness and efforts to bring about peace during his reign. He will be missed.