Japan's emperor has abdicated for the first time in 200 years. Emperor Akihito, 85, was emperor for 30 years. He stepped down because of his health. He has been slowing down recently and had some health scares. He thinks his son, Naruhito, is better able to carry out the emperor's duties. People will remember Emperor Akihito for his personal touch. He always visited people after earthquakes, tsunami and other disasters.
Emperor Naruhito, 59, became the 126th emperor of the world's oldest monarchy. He spent two years at Oxford University. His wife, the new Empress Masako, studied at Harvard University. In a ceremony, Naruhito received a sacred sword, a jewel and official seals that are thousands of years old. The ceremony was in the middle of a ten-day Japanese holiday. Millions of Japanese people watched the historic event on their TVs and smartphones.