Tokyo: Emperor Akihito began his abdication rituals at a Shinto shrine Tuesday morning as Japan embraces the end of his reign with reminiscence and hope for a new era.
Television images showed Akihito in a traditional robe entering the main Shrine of Kashikodokoro to report his retirement to the gods.
The shrine is where the goddess Amaterasu, said to be the direct ancestress of the imperial family, is enshrined.
Only part of Akihito's shrine ritual was released to the public.
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In a palace ceremony later in the day, Akihito will announce his retirement before other members of the royal family and top government officials.
His reign runs through midnight when his son Crown Prince Naruhito becomes new emperor and his era begins.
