The abdication of Japan's emperor.
The Cabinet on December 8 approved proposals for the abdication of the current emperor, Akihito, on April 30, 2019. His son Naruhito will be enthroned the next day. Since this is the first abdication for 200 years, the government will be making up the ceremonies as it goes along, though with references to historical precedents.
The transition and new emperor will have no impact on government policy.
The extra-long national holiday and a 'resetting' of the official calendar will have some economic impact.
The start of a literal new era, combined with the Olympics the following year, will buoy the public mood.
The new emperor carries with him no personal wartime baggage and may be more acceptable to Japan’s neighbours.
