INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
JAPAN : Emperor Akihito of Japan formally stepped down Tuesday, the first abdication for 200 years in the world oldest monarchy, as his son
Naruhito prepared to take the Chrysanthemum Throne and usher in a new imperial era
In the &Room of Pine& in Tokyo Imperial Palace, the popular 85-year-old performed the abdication ritual in the presence of the imperial
regalia -- an ancient sword and sacred jewel that are considered to legitimise an emperor.
