The coup d'etat ceremony on the afternoon of April 30 marked more than 30 years in power of Emperor Akihito, and at the same time ended the Binh Thanh dynasty when he took the throne in 1989.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on behalf of the Japanese people, expressed his gratitude to the Emperor.
"On the day of the king's decline, we look back at the years when the king always stood side by side with the people, sharing their joy and sadness. And we would like to reiterate our deep respect and gratitude to the king," said the Japanese Prime Minister.
Mr. Shinzo Abe added: "We will remember the steps that the king has taken up to this point, continue to strive to make Japan a peaceful country, full of hope and a country that we can be proud of. Wishing the king and queen good health and longevity".
During the ceremony, Emperor Akihito gave a final speech as Emperor.
Emperor Akihito began: "Today, I end my mission as Emperor. I would like to express my deep gratitude for the words that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shared on behalf of the Japanese people".
"Since I was crowned 30 years ago, I have fulfilled my duty as a king with a deep sense of loyalty and respect for the people. I feel the luckiest person to do that. I would like to express my sincere thanks to those who have accepted and supported me as a symbol of the state," NHK quoted Akihito as saying.
Emperor Akihito also expressed his wish that the Golden Army era, starting tomorrow (May 1), when Prince Naruhito takes the throne, will be stable and prosperous.
"From the bottom of my heart, I wish peace and happiness to all the people of Japan and around the world" - Emperor Akihito said.
This is the first time in more than 200 years that a emperor has deposed. When the ceremony ended, Emperor Akihito turned to the visitors and bowed before leaving.
Three years ago, Emperor Akihito expressed his desire to be deposed due to old age. The Japanese parliament has issued a law allowing the emperor to deposition. His son, Prince Naruhito, will take the throne on the morning of May 1, becoming the 126th emperor of the land of the rising sun.
