Japan’s Emperor Akihito will abdicate on 30 April, having sat on the Chrysanthemum Throne since 1989. At the age of 85, Akihito seemingly wishes to live in quiet retirement with Empress Michiko, his wife of 60 years. His elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will succeed him as emperor.Akihito’s reign began upon the death of his father, Hirohito, whose life had spanned decades of domestic and international turmoil.