For all Japanese this day is a national holiday, this day is declared a day off. The emperor thanked all the people of Japan for his loyalty and said that he would give the throne to his relative Prince Naruhito, since he was no longer able to perform even ceremonial duties for health reasons.

Akihito traditionally paid special attention to its statements about natural disasters, which are constantly flooding the Japanese islands. The Emperor insists that the government strengthens assistance to flood victims and tsunamis.

In the imperial court are also concerned that Naruhito appointed as his receiver an indirect relative, which could interrupt the centuries-old dynasty of Japanese emperors.

As reported in the "URA-Inform", recently in Japan set the date of abdication of the emperor from the throne.