Japanese Emperor Akihito has started a day of ceremonies in the Imperial Palace as he prepares to step down from the throne on Tuesday.
It'll make him the first monarch to abdicate in more than 200 years.
His son, Crown Prince Naruhito, will ascend the Chrysanthemum throne the next day.
Akihito had expressed a desire to abdicate in 2016 due to his age and declining health.

Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral race, capping meteoric rise
Kalmaegi death toll climbs to 66 as Philippine survivors confront destruction
China's Shenzhou-20 return mission delayed due to space debris impact
At least 7 dead after UPS plane crashes in Kentucky, erupts into ball of fire
Former US VP Dick Cheney dies at 84
Dozens killed, army helicopter downed as Typhoon Kalmaegi hits Philippines
Trump threatens to cut funds for New York City if Mamdani wins mayoral race
Worker trapped under collapsed medieval tower in Rome dies
