Imperial Couple visits tomb of Emperor Jinmu in Nara ahead of abdication

KASHIHARA, Nara -- Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu here on March 26 to pay their respects and report His Majesty's forthcoming abdication.

The Emperor was dressed in a morning suit similar to what he wore when he reported his enthronement at the ancient grave in 1990, accompanied by the Empress in Western-style attire. The Imperial Couple offered prayers individually to Emperor Jinmu, who is considered to be the first emperor of Japan, to report his retirement scheduled for April 30.

At Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, the couple smiled as they waved to well-wishers.

The Imperial Couple is scheduled to travel to Ise Jingu Shrine in Ise, Mie Prefecture, in central Japan on April 18, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Showa in the Tokyo suburban city of Hachioji on April 23.

(Japanese original by Nao Yamada, City News Department)