TOKYO, April 30 -- Emperor Akihito declared his abdication at a farewell ceremony Tuesday, expressing his appreciation for the support of the Japanese people during the 30-year Heisei Era under his reign. "I have performed my duties as the emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so," said the 85-year-old emperor, who will become the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in 202 years, in his final speech at the Imperial Palace. The emperor, who will be succeeded by his elder son Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, on Wednesday, also expressed his gratitude to the people who accepted and supported him in his role as the "symbol of the state" as defined by the Constitution. "I sincerely wish, together with the empress, that the Reiwa Era, which begins tomorrow, will be a stable and fruitful one, and I pray, with all my heart, for peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world," the emperor, wearing a morning suit, said in the nationally televised ceremony. Empress Michiko, 84, who wore a long white dress, stood beside the emperor during the 12-minute event, in which the emperor's aides carried two of the three imperial regalia -- the sacred sword and jewel -- which will be passed on to his successor Wednesday as proof of his ascension to the throne. The emperor made the remarks after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his appreciation to him for "always sharing joy and sorrow with the people" and said he gave them "courage and hope for tomorrow."
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