Japan marks the end of its 31-year-long Heisei era today.<br />Emperor Akihito will hand over his crown to his son Crown Prince Naruhito,... opening a new era of "Reiwa" in Japan.<br />For more, our Kim Mok-yeon is on the line for us.<br />Mok-yeon <br />Ji-yoon, today's event is even more symbolic for Japan because Emperor Akihito's abdication marks the first time in 202 years since a living emperor voluntarily gave up his throne.<br />Tuesday's ceremony comes some three years since he first mentioned his intention to step down, citing health reasons.<br />Many Japanese citizens sympathized with the emperor's decision to abdicate, possibly because he was loved by many due to his care and concern for people suffering from disease and disaster.<br />Soon after his statement, Japan's Diet enacted a bill that made his abdication possible.<br />Since March 12th, Akihito has been holding a range of rituals to report his abdication to his ancestors.<br />The last leg of the ritual kicked off a couple of hours ago.<br />At 5 p.m., a state-ceremony will be held, attended by some 300 people, including his successor Naruhito and top Japanese officials.<br />Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will give a speech in gratitude to the emperor's 30 years of service.<br />The ceremony will conclude with Emperor Akihito delivering his final speech to Japan.<br />So now that Akihito is ending his reign, what happens next?<br />Well, on May 1st, Japan will officially embrace its new era of Reiwa.<br />As the clock ticks toward midnight, a huge countdown event will be held in the city of Shibuya to welcome in the new generation.<br />The state enthronement ceremony will start at 10:30 a.m., local time, on Wednesday with Crown Prince Naruhito set to inherit the three sacred treasures of Japan.. the sword, the mirror and the jewel in his first ritual as emperor.<br />Meanwhile, there are voices demanding the imperial system be abolished in Japan.<br />Various civic groups are set to hold street protests in Tokyo from Tuesday evening and Wednesday demanding that Akihito's abdication should bring the end of the system of hereditory emperors.<br />Back to you, Ji-yoon. <br />
