Prime minister Abe says royal couple ‘shared in joys and sorrows’ of Japanese people

Emperor Akihito has thanked the people of Japan for their support during his 30-year reign and said he hopes his successor’s time on the chrysanthemum throne will be “stable and fruitful”, as he becomes the country’s first monarch to abdicate in two centuries.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in the state room of the imperial palace a day before his eldest son, Naruhito, ascends the throne, the 85-year-old said he was praying for peace and happiness for the people of Japan.

Related: The life and reign of Emperor Akihito – in pictures

A day after his father’s abdication, crown prince Naruhito will become Japan’s new emperor on Wednesday – but his wife and mother will not be present to witness the historic transition.

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